The Olympics has never seen a spectacle like this before. A floating opening ceremony. The usual stadium show switched to the same. Athletes parading on 85 boats. French history and culture showcased on the river Banks with an international flavor. Lady Gaga leading the cabaret in French, before one of the most iconic sights and sounds of this city. It wouldn't be a Parisian party without Moulon Rouge dancers. But more recent contributions to the world were also performed. Parkour from a mystery torchbearer, dashing across rooftops, reaching Notre Dame, where scaffolding became a stage, celebrating craftmanship and the Cathedral's restoration five years after a devastating fire. The journey through French history saluted the spirit of revolution. Corristers appearing as Marie-Antoinette. This open air stage showing off iconic landmarks. Why Paris was so determined to defy terror concerns to produce this elaborate show. They just couldn't control the weather. Team GB flag bearers Tom Daly and Helen Glover among those getting drenched. It was all too soggy for these spectators. Leaving early.

We stayed for two hours. Bulgaria's boat passed. We took a video and then we left because of the rain. The weather, it was hard to see anything. Yeah, we couldn't see anything, so that's why we left. A little bit of rain, but it's okay.

Too many But the show went on. These will be a games without a cauldron on the ground. A ring of fire was carried into the sky. A tribute to the first gas balloon flight here 241 years ago. The spectacular show was closed by Céline Dion, backperforming after being diagnosed with a neurological disorder in 2022. Heavy security prevented many Parisians seeing the show, and a downpour sapped some of the joy. But Paris overcame terror, fears, and sabotage on the rails to produce an elaborate, ambitious, and unique Olympic opening ceremony. Now the hope a world torn apart by conflicts can be brought together by sport, even for a couple of weeks. Rob Harris, Sky News, Paris.