July 14, 2023: the French meet their armies in Paris, the program of events

As every year, the Fête nationale is the occasion to enjoy a wide range of events: popular balls and fire department balls throughout the Paris region, a free symphony concert on the Champ-de-Mars, and of course the fireworks displays on July 13 and 14.

Bal des pompiers: popular balls on July 13 and 14, 2023 in Paris and the Ile de France region
Looking for an evening out on Wednesday July 13 and Thursday July 14, 2023 in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? Discover the bals populaires and bals des pompiers that await you for the Fête Nationale, to enjoy before or after the fireworks and dance the night away. [Read more]

Fireworks on July 13 and 14, 2023 in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: maintained or cancelled?
This year's Fête Nationale is a rather special occasion. With numerous cancellations due to riots and drought, we take a look at the programs that have been maintained or cancelled in the Paris region on July 13 and 14, 2023. [Read more]

But the Fête Nationale also features the military in the traditional parade on the Champs-Élysées every year. This military parade pays tribute to the French armed forces. And on Friday July 14, 2023, the military will once again meet us in the 7th arrondissement of Paris for the festive and convivial"public relations operation" entitled " Les Français à la rencontre de leurs armées" ("The French meet their armies ").

To be held on July 14, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at theHôtel National des Invalides and on theesplanade des Invalides, this day-long event gives the most curious visitors the chance to meet the soldiers on parade and their equipment.

What's on the program? Helicopter and land vehicle exhibitions, a flight simulator, a unique experience in the cargo hold of a transport aircraft and many other activities! Discover the free program, with free admission, that awaits you on July 14 for the return of the " Les Français à la rencontre de leurs armées " operation, 2023 edition.

• To be read
• July 14: Military parades in Paris and Île-de-France for Bastille Day 2023
• July 14, 2023 military parade on the Champs-Elysées in Paris: the complete program
• Tips for the week of April 29 - May 5, 2024 in Paris: free or inexpensive outings

Les Français à la rencontre de leurs armées 2023, the program

• On the Esplanade des Invalides:
  • 12 helicopters from the French Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Force, Gendarmerie Nationale, Direction Générale de l'Armement and Customs.
  • Entertainment throughout the afternoon: parachute jumps, military music.
  • Armed forces equipment on display: Leclerc tank, Mamba missile launcher, Civil Security truck, Operational Energy Service refueling truck, Alphajet...
    
    
• In the northern gardens (7th arrondissement):
  • Recruitment village for the French Army, Navy, Air Force and Space Corps, the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP) and the Direction Générale de l'Armement.
  • Flight simulator for the French army's light aviation (ALAT).
  • Experience the cargo hold of an A400M military transport aircraft through a virtual reality headset.
  • Exhibition and visit of numerous land vehicles: Serval, Jaguar, Griffon, Patroller drone...
  • Deployment of a field bakery by the armed forces commissariat and sale of pastries.
  • Entertainment throughout the afternoon: military music, fire management demonstrations, simulated stopovers, dog training exercises and performances by BSPP gymnasts.
    
    
• In the Cour d'honneur:
  • Demonstrations and static display of over forty innovations from the armed forces.
  • Exhibition of a life-size model of the Airbus Helicopters H160 Guépard helicopter.
  • Sports activity with Fabien Lamirault, disabled table tennis player and double Paralympic gold medallist.
  • Blood drive organized by the Centre de transfusion sanguine des armées to help soldiers wounded in theaters of operation, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Salle Turenne of the Musée de l'Armée.
  • Recruitment stand from the Ministry of the Armed Forces, the Ministry of the Interior and Overseas Territories, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, and the RATP.
  • Sales in aid of the Bleuet de France charity throughout the day.

The French Army(Place de la Nation), Air Force ( Parc André Citroën) and Navy (Paris City Hall) will each be organizing a specific"public relations operation" in Paris.