Race to retain the Olympic cauldron begins as Paris Games come to an end

The Olympic cauldron and the Eiffel Tower are seen from the Musée des Arts Decoratifs after sunset REUTERS - Christian Hartmann

The Olympic cauldron rising over Paris beneath a huge balloon each night has become such a popular sight that it may become a permanent fixture in the City of Light.

The unique version of the Olympic flame, located in the Tuileries Gardens between the Louvre Museum and Concorde obelisk, has been one of many innovations for this year's Games.