Bastille Day military parade

Name: Bastille Day military parade
Start: 2026-07-14
End: 2026-07-14
Location: Paris

The Bastille Day military parade is an annual event held on July 14 in Paris, France, as a central public celebration of France's National Day. The parade features a grand procession of French and international military contingents, vehicles, and an aerial display along the Champs-Élysées, often emphasizing themes of national pride and European unity.

Date: Jul 14, 2026
Location: Paris

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Event summary

Highlights

Annual military procession on Champs-Élysées
Participation of French and international military forces
Flypast by warplanes
Display of military vehicles

The Bastille Day military parade takes place annually on July 14, France's National Day, in Paris. This traditional event commemorates the storming of the Bastille fortress in 1789, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution and the birth of modern French democracy. The parade marches along the historic Champs-Élysées, typically from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, showcasing the strength and unity of the French armed forces.

The parade features thousands of soldiers and hundreds of military vehicles, accompanied by a flypast of air force planes. Recent iterations have included international military contingents, with troops and warplanes from various European nations participating to symbolize European unity and support, such as for Ukraine. Dignitaries, including the French President and other world leaders, attend the event. Related Bastille Day celebrations in Paris can include a drone light show over the Eiffel Tower and Seine River, often held on the eve of the parade.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.