Bastille Day 2025: Spectacular Aerial Displays Honor France's Heritage

On July 14, 2025, France celebrated its national day with a grand military parade on the Champs-Élysées, a return to the iconic avenue after last year's relocation to Avenue Foch. The event commenced with a breathtaking flyover by the Patrouille de France, the prestigious French Air Force aerobatic team, known for their vibrant aerial performances. This year, they marked the occasion by releasing smoke in the colors of the French flag, signifying unity and national pride.

A total of 70 aircraft were part of the aerial display, including 53 from the French Air and Space Force alongside nine from the French Navy and contributions from allied forces, including Spain, Germany, the UK, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. The aircraft flew at altitudes of 350 meters and various speeds, with jet planes reaching around 500 km/h while propeller planes flew at about 330 km/h. The spectacle also featured 34 helicopters that zoomed past at a reduced altitude of approximately 120 meters at speeds of 170 km/h, adding to the grandeur of the day.

In his address, President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the occasion's significance by presenting a new sword to the committee of the Flame of the Unknown Soldier, an act symbolizing respect for France's military history and the valor of its servicemen and women. July 14, known as Bastille Day, is a powerful commemoration of the French Revolution, with celebrations featuring military displays and thousands of citizens flocking to the streets to show their patriotism and pride in their national heritage.