It may not have a spire, stained-glass windows or a nave, but the cavernous underground rainwater facility inaugurated in the French capital on Thursday ahead of the Paris Olympics has been compared to Notre Dame Cathedral.

Thomas Bach pledged that the Paris Games' Opening Ceremony along the Seine would be "iconic" and "unforgettable," notwithstanding persistent concerns regarding security for the open-air river procession.

The Seine will play a starring role at Paris 2024, but now all the eyes are focused on its waters. Pollution and dirt, the uncertainty surrounding the opening ceremony on barges on the river and the possibility of events being cancelled are all major concerns with just three months to go.

On Tuesday, the Louvre Museum in Paris announced its intention to host yoga and sports sessions within its iconic galleries. This initiative is part of a broader city-wide cultural programme ahead of the Olympics.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin embarked on an official visit to Morocco on Monday, where he expressed appreciation for the kingdom's invaluable assistance in combatting terrorism within France in the build up to Paris 2024.

French President Macron expressed he was "shocked" by the recent "racist" comments and remarks about Franco-Malian singer Aya Nakamura's performance at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.

Since Paris launched its bid to host the Olympic Games, which it successfully secured in 2017, the project has undergone numerous changes by the organisers and government authorities.

French President Emmanuel Macron has defended Franco-Malian singer Aya Nakamura against criticism from the far-right who oppose her performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Tensions escalate in Paris as various forms of activism gain momentum. Notable actions include an "anti-racism dance" organised in support of singer Aya Nakamura, and activists making statues in the city 'talk' to raise awareness of homeless people's struggles.

During the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony on 26 July, a procession of 180 boats, 94 of which will be used to transport athletes, will sail down the River Seine. Up to 326,000 people will witness the spectacle.

The theatre director in charge of the opening day of Paris 2024 has an enormous task ahead. Not only does he have to develop a concept that will have an impact on the world, but he also has to navigate security, environmental and architectural constraints, and the opinions of billions of people.

With 211 days to go until the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the government is considering further reducing the originally estimated capacity for the kickoff celebration of the 33rd Olympic Games of the modern era.

France’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation said that airspace would remain closed between 7 pm and midnight during the opening ceremony on July 26.

Preparations for the Opening Ceremony at next year's Olympic Games in Paris are expected to be completed by the end of the year, it has been revealed.