The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games opening ceremony began in glorious conditions as about 4,400 athletes made their way along the Champs-Elysees to Place de la Concorde.

As with the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games opening ceremony is taking place outside of a stadium for the first time in the French capital.

The main ceremony is being held at Place de la Concorde, on a perfect summer evening in the heart of the city, following a parade along the Champs-Elysees from the Arc de Triomphe.

Organisers estimate 65,000 people will be present, with spectators able to watch the parade for free before the ticketed open-air event at Place de la Concorde.

Blue, white and red smoke of the Tricolore was released by the Patrouille de France aerial display team in clear skies before the athletes made their entrance.