The Olympic opening ceremony presents the host country with the opportunity to wow the world with a uniquely spectacular show.

The opening of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was just that - the organisers ditched the traditional ceremony, and became the first Games to hold the opening event within a city as a whole rather than in a stadium.

Thousands of athletes and performers paraded along the River Seine in the City of Light on Friday evening, creating a hugely ambitious, one-of-a-kind spectacle.

Below are some of the most eye-catching photos from the night.