This year’s Bastille Day parade paid homage to World War I soldiers, to mark the centenary of the start of the Great War.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

France invited representatives from nearly 80 nations that took part in the war between 1914 and 1918.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian pays respects to soldiers from Algeria. The presence of soldiers from France’s former colony sparked controversy on both sides of the Mediterranean ahead of the parade.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

Two officers from France’s “gendarmerie nationale” share a friendly moment on “the most beautiful avenue in the world” - the Champs-Élysées.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

Two Senegalese soldiers from France’s Saint-Cyr military academy.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

Soldiers of the “Pioneers” regiment of the French Foreign Legion, dressed in the traditional uniforms from the early days of the unit.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

A miniature camera on the shoulder of a Pioneer captures the celebrations.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

Legionnaires sport their medals…
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

…as do the dogs of the French army’s Canine Brigade. The brigade has been used recently in Afghanistan and the Sahel region of Africa to search for weapon caches and explosive devices.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

Officers from France’s Operation Sangaris in the Central African Republic were given temporary leave to attend the military parade.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

Military drones are expected to play a major role in France’s new operation targeting jihadist militants in the Sahel – Operation Barkhane.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

An emotional moment ahead of the parade as young people release doves of peace in memory of the deceased in the heart of the French capital.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

French President François Hollande, Commander-in-Chief of the French Armed Forces, speaks with soldiers at the close of the parade.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

Hollande smiles as he meets with French soldiers alongside Prime Minister Manual Valls.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24

A soldier stands alongside members of the “Spahi” light cavalry regiment.
Photo: Pierre René-Worms RFI/France 24