From performances by Aya Nakamura and Celine Dion to the lighting of the Olympic cauldron… The most memorable moments of the opening ceremony

July 27, 2024

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From performances by Aya Nakamura and Celine Dion to the

Despite the rain, artists and athletes delivered an XXL performance along the Seine on Friday. Find the best photos of the event.

It was certainly the most anticipated show of the year. Prepared in complete confidentiality, the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games finally revealed all its secrets on the evening of Friday, July 26. On a 6 km route between the Pont d’Austerlitz and the Pont d’Iéna, tableaux followed one after the other, and delegations paraded on board boats, a first in Olympic history. Here are the most memorable moments.

The Austerlitz bridge, from where the delegations left, under a tricolor smoke, to launch the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. (ANN WANG / AFP)

Black corset and pink feathers. Pop star Lady Gaga performed "My feather thing" by Zizi Jeanmaire, an emblematic title of French music hall. (ARIS MESSINIS / AFP) — Black corset and pink feathers. Pop star Lady Gaga performed “Mon truc en plumes” by Zizi Jeanmaire, an iconic title of French music hall. (ARIS MESSINIS / AFP)

He had already linked the Eiffel Tower and the Palais de Chaillot. This time, French tightrope walker Nathan Paulin crossed the Seine in his own way, surrounded by dancers. (MADDIE MEYER / AFP)

While the rain did not spoil the party, it did force many spectators to get out their raincoats. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer did without one. (MUSTAFA CIFTCI / AFP)

She was expected. Aya Nakamura, the most listened to French artist in the world, performed her greatest hits and those of Charles Aznavour on the Pont des Arts. (ESA ALEXANDER / AFP)

Paris, city of love... Four planes from the Patrouille de France formed a heart in the Parisian sky. (ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP) — Paris, city of love… Four planes from the Patrouille de France formed a heart in the Parisian sky. (ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT / AFP)

THE "Ocean liner" carries the athletes of the French delegation under the gaze of the spectators, with the Eiffel Tower on the horizon. (RICHARD HEATHCOTE / AFP) — The “Paquebot” transports the athletes of the French delegation under the gaze of the spectators, with the Eiffel Tower on the horizon. (RICHARD HEATHCOTE / AFP)

The French delegation, led by its flag bearers, swimmer Florent Manaudou and discus thrower Mélina Robert-Michon. (FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

A piano ablaze on an island with an apocalyptic decor. Juliette Armanet covers “Imagine” by John Lennon, accompanied by Sofiane Pamart. (SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) — A flaming piano on an island with an apocalyptic decor. Juliette Armanet covers “Imagine” by John Lennon, accompanied by Sofiane Pamart. (SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP)

A silver rider crosses the Seine, Olympic flag on her shoulders, in what will remain one of the most memorable images of the ceremony. (CLIVE BRUNSKILL / AFP)

Guided by the silver horsewoman and the Republican Guard, the flags of each delegation arrive at the Trocadéro. (STEPHANIE LECOCQ / AFP)

Paris, the city of lights, is adorned with a thousand colors around the Trocadéro where the finale of the opening ceremony is taking place. (FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT / AFP) — Paris, the city of lights, is adorned with a thousand colors around the Trocadéro where the finale of the opening ceremony takes place. (FRANCOIS-XAVIER MARIT / AFP)

The Olympic flag arriving at the Trocadéro where the final part of the opening ceremony is taking place. (OLI SCARFF / AFP)

One was expected, the other a little less... Zinedine Zidane passed the Olympic flame to the Spaniard Rafael Nadal, 14 times winner of Roland-Garros. (JEFF PACHOUD / AFP) — One was expected, the other a little less… Zinédine Zidane passed the Olympic flame to the Spaniard Rafael Nadal, 14 times winner of Roland-Garros. (JEFF PACHOUD / AFP)

Tony Parker and Amélie Mauresmo walked through the courtyard of the Louvre before joining the last relay runners in the Tuileries Gardens. (OLIVIER MORIN / AFP) — Tony Parker and Amélie Mauresmo walked through the courtyard of the Louvre, before joining the last relay runners in the Tuileries Gardens. (OLIVIER MORIN / AFP)

The last torchbearers gathered around former cyclist Charles Coste, 100 years old, the oldest living French Olympic champion. (MOHD RASFAN / AFP) — The last torchbearers gathered around the former cyclist Charles Coste, 100 years old, the oldest French Olympic champion still alive. (MOHD RASFAN / AFP)

It was one of the big questions, who will light the Olympic cauldron? Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner had this honor. (MOHD RASFAN / AFP)

Four years since she last went on stage... Celine Dion concluded the opening ceremony by performing "The Hymn to Love" by Edith Piaf. (AFP) — Four years since she last went on stage… Celine Dion concluded the opening ceremony by performing “Hymne à l’amour” by Edith Piaf. (AFP)

The Olympic cauldron will sit enthroned above the Tuileries Gardens throughout the fortnight. (PHILIPPE LOPEZ / AFP) — The Olympic cauldron will sit above the Tuileries Gardens throughout the fortnight. (PHILIPPE LOPEZ / AFP)

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