Former Beatle Paul McCartney has been bestowed one of France's highest distinctions — being named an officer of the Legion of Honour.

The 70-year-old singer was decorated by President Francois Hollande during a ceremony at the Elysee Palace in Paris on Saturday.

He joins other cultural icons as actor Clint Eastwood and singers Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli on France's special list of honorees.

McCartney was knighted by the Queen in 1997, earning the title Sir Paul McCartney.

The singer and songwriter —who co-wrote hits such as Yesterday, Let it Be, Hey Jude, Hello Goodbye and A Hard Day's Night with the late John Lennon before the Beatles split up in 1970 — recently performed at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.