DÉFENSE ZONE
Because the 14 July parade is about more than the Champs-Élysées, our photographers travelled to every corner of France to cover this national event locally. 14 July is much more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of past struggles for freedom, a tribute to the republican spirit and a celebration of French identity. It is a day when every citizen can feel proud to be French. From Brest to Nice, by way of Lyon, Saint-Dizier, Toulouse and Castres, relive this highlight through the photos of our field reporters.
Nice: a joint-service, inter-ministerial parade
France’s fifth-largest city, Nice is home to many security forces. Besides the national and municipal police (the largest municipal force in France), the city hosts a branch of the BRI (the police’s search and intervention brigade). For the 14 July 2023 ceremonies, the city welcomed a French Navy vessel, two Alpha Jets from Salon-de-Provence, a Civil Protection group and a section of the 93rd Mountain Artillery Regiment (93e RAM), which has been twinned with the city for several years.
8e RPIMa, a regiment rooted in its town
In Castres, the 8th Marine Infantry Parachute Regiment (8e RPIMa) holds an important place in the life of the town. Its 1,200 paratroopers do not go unnoticed among the 41,000 inhabitants of this town in the Tarn. Every year, the 14 July parade is an important moment that brings together soldiers and many civilians.
The airmen of Saint-Dizier
For more than a century, the town of Saint-Dizier has lived to the rhythm of its airmen. For this year’s 14 July, several units from the base took part in a ceremony in town before parading, together with other services from the region, in front of a large crowd.
Find the complete portfolio in our latest issue, whose feature is devoted to the elite units of the French National Police and Gendarmerie. You can also subscribe to our magazine and receive our new issue every quarter, access exclusive content and benefit from our partners’ offers on gear and equipment. Head to the Premium section.
