The history-making curtain-raiser broke new ground as the first to stage its opening ceremony along the Seine - watched by a global audience of more than a billion.
And in a jaw-dropping theatrical first act ahead of two weeks of sport, 10,500 athletes from 200 countries paraded along the famous river in a flotilla of boats watched by 350,000 spectators lining its banks.
As rain teemed down, the offbeat pageant, crammed full of irreverence, romanticism, patriotism and avant garde nods, saw a Moulin Rouge-inspired performance from Lady Gaga and homage to cabaret singer Édith Piaf, the city's most famous daughter.
Denne historien er fra July 27, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
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Denne historien er fra July 27, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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HOT TO THE TUCH
Thomas has so much talent at his disposal
Southgate showed me how to be smiles better
LAUGHS AND INSIDE JOKES BRING CUP TEAM TOGETHER
Buttler calling for the big two
ONE-DAY HOPES FOR STOKES AND ROOT
Aaron's determined to turn jeers into cheers
AARON WAINWRIGHT fully understands fed-up Wales fans have started voicing their grievances at the long and sorry plight of their side.
SKELTON HAS GREY-T EXPECTATIONS
DAN SKELTON has claimed Betfair Chase favourite Grey Dawning is \"as good as any staying chaser we've had at this stage of their life\".
Billionaire family fight for £21m Idol's Eye gem
A £21MILLION diamond known as the Idol's Eye is being fought over in London by Qatari royals.
Oakes brings fight for trees to No 10
ACTOR David Oakes joins campaigners in Downing Street to deliver a 100,000-name petition calling for historic trees to be protected by law.
Non, je ne regrette rien composer dies aged 95
THE French composer behind Edith Piaf's biggest hit died yesterday at the age of 95.
Davina out of intensive care after brain surgery
TV host Davina McCall has made an \"enormous leap forward\" in treatment for a brain tumour, her partner revealed yesterday.
Owner admits killer XL bully was out of control
A MAN whose XL bully mauled his neighbour to death yesterday pleaded guilty to owning an out-of-control dog.
