Europe South Asia Asia Pacific Americas Middle East Africa BBC Homepage World Service Education



Front Page

World

UK

UK Politics

Business

Sci/Tech

Health

Education

Sport

Entertainment

Talking Point

In Depth

On Air

Archive
Feedback
Low Graphics
Help

Wednesday, July 14, 1999 Published at 15:45 GMT 16:45 UK


World: Europe

Picture this: Bastille Day



The French celebrate the anniversary of Bastille Day, when, in 1789, Parisians stormed the Bastille prison, setting off the French Revolution which toppled King Louis XVI and put an end to the French monarchy.


[ image:  ]

The main event of the day is the traditional military parade along the Champs-Elysees in Paris.


[ image:  ]

Military officers from around the world attend, watching the Bastille Day parade from the official stands


[ image:  ]

It is an opportunity for the French to remember the military contributions of overseas troops like these Moroccan WWII veterans. Morocco's King Hassan II was guest of honour


[ image:  ]

The grand occasion was too much for this Republican Guard and his horse.


[ image:  ]

The historic day is celebrated even if duty takes the French abroad. Sergio Viera Di Mello, head of the UN Mission in Kosovo, right, toasts Bruno Cuche, Commander of the French K-For troops, left, during Bastille Day ceremonies in Mitrovica


[ image:  ]

Bastille Day is not just for the military. Many dances are held on the night of 13 July - here at a Parisian cafe





Advanced options | Search tips




Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | ©




Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia



Relevant Stories

02 Jul 99 | World
Bastille key found

14 Jul 98 | Europe
La belle team France





In this section

Violence greets Clinton visit

Russian forces pound Grozny

EU fraud: a billion dollar bill

Next steps for peace

Cardinal may face loan-shark charges

From Business
Vodafone takeover battle heats up

Trans-Turkish pipeline deal signed

French party seeks new leader

Jube tube debut

Athens riots for Clinton visit

UN envoy discusses Chechnya in Moscow

Solana new Western European Union chief

Moldova's PM-designate withdraws

Chechen government welcomes summit

In pictures: Clinton's violent welcome

Georgia protests over Russian 'attack'

UN chief: No Chechen 'catastrophe'

New arms control treaty for Europe

From Business
Mannesmann fights back

EU fraud -- a billion-dollar bill

New moves in Spain's terror scandal

EU allows labelling of British beef

UN seeks more security in Chechnya

Athens riots for Clinton visit

Russia's media war over Chechnya

Homeless suffer as quake toll rises

Analysis: East-West relations must shift