This year, Paris Plages celebrates its 10th anniversary. So, there will be ten times more sand and entertainment! Three sites in the capital have been specially transformed into beach resorts.

Whether you want to relax, have fun or moving, you may choose. Sun loungers and beach mattresses under traditional parasols for a spot of sunbathing, sand castles, beach sports, paddle boats, petanque, ballroom dancing, tai-chi or marathon photo, concerts, workshops, storytelling, etc. There will be something for everyone.

And of course, if it is sunny and warm, misters, bathing pools as well as drink and ice-cream stalls will help to cool down.

Open to everyone however big or small, Paris Plages is a free event, open every day from 8 am to Midnight, from July 21 to August 21 2011 at three sites across the capital:

• Along 1 km of the the Voie Georges Pompidou, from the Quai du Louvre to the Pont d’Arcole.
• The Bassin de la Villette
• In front of the Hotel de Ville.

Detailed information and program: Paris Plages 2011

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Elite troops of the French armed forces along the Champs-Elysées on July 14

This impressive parade is regarded as one of the oldest military parades in the world, and also the most imposing after that of the Russian Army. It brings together the elite troops of the French armed forces.

More than 5000 men and women on foot, 240 horses, 82 motorbikes, 275 vehicles, 30 helicopters and 54 aircraft… Various infantry, cavalry, motorised and even airborne units parade down the Avenue des Champs-Elysees. Place de la Concorde, they will salute the President of the Republic and his government, along with the many foreign political statesmen invited for this occasion.

As part of the ‘Outre-Mer’ year (French overseas dependent territories) regiments from Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, New Caledonia and Polynesia will be taking part in the parade.

The Paris Fire Brigade will be specially honoured in recognition of its bicentennial year.

Over the last 3 years, “Parisians greet their soldiers”. They have been able to meet personnel from the armed forces to learn about their profession, their work and their life. A selection of military equipment and vehicles will be on public show, during the afternoon in different parts of the city.

Festivities for liberty and fraternity in Paris, July 14

From 2pm, more than 60 associations will offer entertainment into a village on the Champs de Mars. This year, SOS Racisme will organise the traditional July 14 concert. Beginning at 5pm, a host of singers will be on stage to entertain the crowds including Yannick Noah, Grégoire, Pascal Obispo, Kassav’, Abd Al Malik, Nolwenn Leroy, Benabar, Raggasonic, Joyce Jonathan, William Baldé and many more. Entry is free, everyone is welcome.

A stunning firework display will be set off from the Pont d’Iéna and the ornamental pools of the Trocadero. From their position in the Champs de Mars, the general public will have front row seats for this amazing ‘son et lumière’ show which begins at 11pm. This year, the stunning garlands of light will move to the rhythms of the great musical comedies « From Broadway to Paris« .

The Firemen’s barracks open their doors and organise traditional July 14 folk dances. Some of them will also be organising celebrations on the evening of the 13th.

You can consult the detailed programme of the 14th July celebrations on line, here.

Each year, huge crowds of Parisians, French people and tourists celebrate the 14 July in Paris. If you want to be sure to enjoy the celebrations to the full and watch the fireworks in the best possible conditions, we suggest that you follow the recommendations of the City of Paris.

July 14th in France… Did you know?

On July 14 1978, the storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution and the end of the absolute monarchy.

This historical event was celebrated a year later to the day on July 14 1790. Place de la Bastille, the first July 14 folk dances took place amid the ruins, and the « Federation Celebrations » were held on the Champs de Mars.

But it was only in 1880, a law declared that July 14 was France’s the National Day. From this year, a military parade has marked the reconciliation between the Republic and its Army.

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