Paris - With the golden World Cup trophy in hand, France's victorious national team returned home to a grand "Merci!" from a grateful nation that was sorely in need of a boost.
"Eternal Happiness" said Monday's headline in the sports daily L'Equipe, summing up the mood of many who hope this euphoria will last for months - even years.
Didier Deschamps side took a victory lap down the grand Champs-Elysees, the grand Paris avenue where hundreds of thousands thronged after the team's 4-2 victory Sunday over Croatia to capture a glimpse trophy.
The Champs-Elysees Clemenceau has become the Deschamps-Elysees Clemenceau to honor Deschamps.
That was followed by a reception at the presidential palace, with guests, including people from soccer clubs known to the French players, like that of the poor suburb of Bondy, where 19-year-old star Kylian Mbappe grew up.
The Etoiles station is for now "On a 2 Etoiles" (We have 2 stars), to denote France's second World Cup victory, after one in 1998, while the Victor Hugo station is now Victor Hugo Lloris, after France's standout goalkeeper and captain.
SEE THE CELEBRATIONS BELOW:
Pictures courtesy of AP Images and Getty Images