Trending Pictures From 2024 Paris Olympics Opening

For the first time in history, the Olympic opening ceremony took place outside of a stadium.

The opening ceremony witnessed athletes paraded down the Seine River on boats, passing some of Paris’ most iconic landmarks.

Thousands of people watched from stands lining the river.

There were also big screens set up across the city to allow as many fans as possible to watch the event.

The six-kilometer (roughly 3.7-mile) route ended in front of the famous Trocadéro, opposite the Eiffel Tower.

The ceremony closed with Celine Dion singing Edith Piaf’s “Hymne À L’Amour” from the first level of the Eiffel Tower.

Up to 500,000 people are watching in person from specially built stands, where tickets have sold for up to 2,700 euros ($2,900), on the river banks for free, and from the overlooking balconies and apartments, AFP reports.

Trending Pictures From 2024 Paris Olympics Opening

See photos from the opening below