July 14, 2025: the French meet their armies in Paris, the program of events

As every year, the Fête Nationale is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a wide range of events, including popular balls and fire department balls throughout the Paris region, a major free symphony concert, and of course the fireworks displays on July 13 and 14.

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But the Fête Nationale also features the military in the traditional parade on the Champs-Élysées avenue every year.

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The military parade pays tribute to the French armed forces. And on Monday, July 14, 2025, 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 " ).

On July 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at theHôtel National des Invalides, this day-long event gives curious visitors the chance to meet the military and their equipment.

What's on the program? A static display of land vehicles, an Air Force glider and an Alpha Jet, plus dynamic demonstrations! Discover the free program, with free admission, that awaits you on July 14 on the occasion of the return of the operation " Les Français à la rencontre de leurs armées ", 2025 edition.

• To be read
• Fête Nationale du 14 Juillet 2026 : Les défilés militaires à Paris et en Île-de-France
• Bastille Day: Where to watch the July 13, 2026 fireworks from the Eiffel Tower in Paris
• The July 14, 2026 military parade: the schedule for the Bastille Day event on the Champs-Élysées

The French meet their armies, the 2025 program

Monday, July 14, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Hôtel national des Invalides - Free admission

In the main courtyard of Les Invalides

This year, some sixty innovations will be showcased in the Cour d'Honneur at Les Invalides. For the occasion, the innovations will be divided into 5 themes: commitment, support, training, space and protection.

In the north gardens and moat

In the north gardens, 19 services will be present, including the three armies. Come and discover :

• A glider from the French Air Force.
• A charity sale of food produced by an SCA field kitchen.
• A " Tundra " drone demonstration area.
• A historical re-enactment area, with a Cornflower-making stand.
• Heavy Army vehicles: 1 SERVAL, 1 JAGUAR, 1 GRIFFON VOA, 1 CAESAR and 1 GRIFFON GEN.
• BSPP: 1 ambulance, 1 diphasic lance van and 1 concept car.
• 1 BMSC fire truck (formerly FORMISC/UIISC).
• French Navy operation vehicles: 1 ECUME and 1 4x4.

There will also be recruitment stands, a village and interactive sports trails for children and adults.

Throughout the day, the public will also be able to attend various demonstrations and take part in a range of activities:

• A shooting range for the French Navy (JDC NG) and the French Army.
• A multi-service augmented reality simulation center for enhanced immersion.
• Canine demonstrations.
• TIOR demonstrations.
• A demonstration of an ERIS (regional intervention and security team of the prison administration).
• Drone demonstrations in the moat (in the form of a course protected by nets, organized by the Army's 7th BB).
• Gas tank fire demonstrations by the BSPP.
• Musical performances by the Foreign Legion, marine troops and BAGAD buglers.

On the esplanade

• Simulation of a reconstructed joint forces base, with ten helicopters from the French Army, Navy, Air Force and DGA (innovation with the H160).
• On rue de Grenelle, in front of the Invalides entrance: Army combat vehicles (1 XLR, 1 PEB, 2 VBCI, 1 CARAPACE and 1 GRIFFON SAN).
• SID (Service d'infrastructure de la défense) and the 25th Air Regiment on display.
• Alpha Jet on the Bleuet traffic circle and Mirage 2000 at the end of avenue du Maréchal Gallieni.
• A ground-to-air defense squadron (EDSA), providing 360° protection for sensitive Air Force and Space Force sites.

In the Turenne Room

• Blood drive organized by the Armed Forces Blood Transfusion Center.

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