Every year, several grandstands are set up at Place de la Concorde, at the foot of the Champs-Élysées, to host guests of the national military parade. Unlike the spots along the avenue, which are freely accessible to the public, the seated grandstand seats are not open to the public. They cannot be sold or reserved like concert or show tickets. Access is by invitation from the authorities, notably the Presidency and state services.
Bastille Day Military Parade 2026: the schedule for the event on the Champs-Élysées in Paris
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There is no official ticketing system for the grandstands. A portion of the invitations is reserved for civil and military authorities, representatives of institutions, veterans, the families of service members, patriotic associations, and various public figures invited by the state.
Citizens may also be invited on an exceptional basis. Requests are typically submitted several weeks, or even months, before July 14, directly to the Presidency of the Republic. With seats extremely limited, there is no guarantee of a favorable reply.
If you’re feeling lucky, it’s best to plan ahead. Applications are usually submitted in the spring, before invitations are finally allocated among the various organizations and institutions. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of being considered, though the allocation criteria ultimately remain at the discretion of the authorities. An application form is typically available on the Élysée’s website; otherwise you can apply by mail at the following address:
The President of the Republic
Élysée Palace
55, Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris
You can also submit a request via the official “Write to the President” form available on the Élysée website.
It’s worth noting that most seats are reserved for officials, military personnel, veterans, families of the armed forces, and invited institutional guests.
There are no officially sold seats for watching the parade from the stands. If paid offers pop up online or on social networks, they should be treated with the utmost caution. Invitations are nominative and issued by an official body.
Rest assured: you can watch the parade for free. Thousands of spectators line up each year behind the barriers along the Champs-Élysées. To get a clear view, plan to arrive very early due to the crowds and security checks. The aerial display, marching troops, armored vehicles, Republican Guard riders, and helicopters can be seen from several sections of the avenue, even without an invitation.
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If you’d rather avoid the crowds, the military parade is broadcast live on television as well as on the digital platforms of the national networks.
On July 14, 2026, France’s national day will be celebrated as always with the customary military parade along the Champs-Élysées in Paris. A genuine moment of national solidarity, this iconic event draws millions of viewers and curious onlookers each year. [Read more]
The ceremony traditionally begins in mid-morning with the arrival of the President of the Republic, followed by the famous aerial display that opens the festivities, and then marching troops, military vehicles, helicopters, and mounted formations.
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