He is the Terminator hardman turned politician who has been a celebrated, immediately recognisable star for decades.

But Arnold Schwarzenegger befuddled a group of Thai tourists when he photobombed their snap in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, on Sunday - because they had no idea who the actor, 69, was.

The former Governor of California, who was taking a bike ride through the French capital when he made the interruption, was in the city to be awarded the country's highest decorative honour by President Francois Hollande.

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I'll be in front! Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger, 69, photobombed a group of Thai tourists - who did not recognise him - in front of Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, on Sunday

The father-of-five looked as fit and tanned as ever as he pulled up in front of the historic landmark.

But it was only after their tour guide yelled 'Arnold!' after the star's retreating back that the gaggle of tourists realised whom they had just encountered.

One of the shocked group posted pictures of the moment and his family on Thai site Pantip, admitting that he had initially thought the Austrian native was 'rude'.

The tourist, posting as Y-G2006, wrote: 'I thought to myself, "Hey, what a badass!"'

Hunky: The father-of-five looked as fit and tanned as ever as he pulled up in front of the historic landmark to pose for snaps

But recounting the exciting adventure, the tourist said once he realised 'Arno is a Hollywood star' he was thrilled, and said some tourists began 'screaming' with excitement.

Arnold, who was escorted around the city by several bodyguards, seemed to have enjoyed the excursion just as much as the tourists.

Posting a snap of himself astride a bike outside the tower - this time without the tourists - the fitness fanatic raved about Paris to his 10.3 million followers.

Sight-seeing: Posting a snap of himself astride a bike outside the tower - this time without the tourists - the fitness fanatic raved about Paris to his 10.3 million followers

Honoured: The actor had spent the previous day being awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur by outgoing President, Francois Hollande, at a ceremony at the Elysee Palace

The star also made a self-referential joke, thanking the group for 'allowing' him to partake in their photo.

He wrote: 'Fantastic bike ride through Paris. I cannot say this enough: to truly appreciate a city, get on a bike.

'Thank you to the tourists at the Eiffel Tower for letting me crash your photo!'

The actor had spent the previous day being awarded the Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur by France's outgoing President, Francois Hollande, at a ceremony at the Elysee Palace.

The Order of Légion d'Honneur is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five degrees: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand Officier (Grand Officer) and Grand Croix (Grand Cross).

The star took to social media to express his gratitude at the honour, which was awarded in recognition of his globally impactful environmental work.

Arnie wrote: 'Thank you, President @fhollande, for presenting me with this great distinction - Commander of the order of the Legion of Honor for my environmental work.

'I'm also thankful for your fantastic effort to make COP21 a success and help lead the world to a clean energy future. I look forward to continuing to work together to follow through and make our goals a reality!'