Fête Nationale du Juillet 14 (Part 1 of 2)

Today is a very big day in Paris and all of France.  It is the Fête Nationale du Juillet 14.  That means a big military parade on the Champs Élysées this morning and a large fireworks display at the Eiffel Tower at 11:00 p.m.   

We went outside to watch the best parts of the parade, the airplane and helicopter flyovers, and also watched some parts on television. More than 100 aircraft flew in above the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Élysées, the Tuileries Garden and Louvre Museum.  Because our apartment building is located next to the Tuileries Garden, we walked a short distance to watch the aircraft.  Here are some photos and videos from flyover.  

The lead aircraft are the nine jets of France's military acrobatic team, la Patrouille de France.

Click on the video below to see la Patrouille in action.

After la Patrouille, dozens more aircraft fly in formation--very fast, loud and low.  It was thrilling.  Check out Greg's photos of today's action.

Click on the video below to see some of the very loud jets fly by.  

In addition to the airplanes, a few dozen helicopters paraded overhead.  Here are some photos.

Greg dubbed this scene with many helicopters:  the Apocalypse Now moment.

We were struck by the contrast of modern aircraft flying over the ancient Louvre museum.

There were many other sights and sounds from today:  marching soldiers, clip-clopping horses, and lots of French flags.

The Presidential reviewing stand with the French tricolore overhead

The parade route along the Champs Élysées lined with the French Flag

After the parade ended, the Yellow Vest protesters went into action.  They left their brightly colored vests at home and joined spectators at the parade.  The protesters then erected barricades, set fires and clashed with riot police.   The riot police were present in large numbers and they dispersed the protesters.

Smoke rising above the Champs Élysées during today's Yellow Vest protest, which we witnessed!

In case you want to read more about the origin of the Fête Nationale, including why some believe it does NOT celebrate the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, click here.  

Thanks for joining us for the parade of the Fête Nationale du Juillet 14.  

Next Up:  The feu d'artifice. 

P.S.  The Women's World Cup ended a week ago.  One of the stars of the event was French player Amandine Henry (pictured below).  

She sat in a place of honor during the parade.  She rode along in one of the jets of la Patrouille de France. as it passed overhead.