Paris Olympics 2024: Recap of the opening ceremony as the Games are underway with parade on River Seine

Hearts in mouths as tightrope walker Nathan Payulin pulled off a miraculous death-defying stunt by walking a rope over the athletes’ parade on the River Seine near the Supreme Court.

The fireworks and massive puffs of red, white and bleu are exploding around the city of Paris.

The rain has started to pour but it is not dampening the spirits of all athletes onboard their vessels.

Each boat that passes is filled with ecstatic characters gleefully waving their flags in pride.

Team Great Britain are absolutely ready to hear the dulcet tones of Celine Dion, recreating the iconic scene from Titanic that is so famously synonymous with her voice.

Let’s hope there are no boating catastrophes in the process.

A magnificent pink heart is painted in the air with smoke, truly symbolising the city of love.

Boasting 13 talented athletes, Bahrain’s boat was barely enough to house their small crop of competitors.

Despite the tiny vessel, the Bahrain team still proudly waved their flags to the crowd as they made their way down the Seine.

The medals have been delicately transported to the ceremony in enormous Louis Vuitton suitcases by the Olympics’ most decorated athlete and swimming legend Michael Phelps.

Alongside France’s most succefful Olympian Martin Fourcade, the pair safely carried the huge cases down a massive flight of stairs.

The official party are in the swing of things as the boats progress with French President Emmanuel Macron and Olympics boss Thomas Bach waving to the crowd.

Pop sensation Lady Gaga performs a musical piece on a staircase by the Seine in a gorgeous black-feathered number with a huge piano.

Surrounded by a swag of back-up dancers, Gaga’s wide vocal talent was on full show.

As is tradition, Greece is the first nation out of the blocks with their flag bearers spearheaded by dual NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is affectionaly known as the Greak Freak.