Jets of the Patrouille de France fly over the Arc de Triomphe in Paris as part of France's annual Bastille Day celebrations.

Nicolas Sarkozy was overseeing his first Champs Elysees parade as the new French president.

Mr Sarkozy broke with tradition by inviting foreign military contingents, including from all 27 countries of the European Union.

But there were some stalwarts - notably these Pioneers of the 1st Foreign Regiment.

Flag bearers of the EU nations parade down the Champs Elysees. Mr Sarkozy said: "I wanted the national holiday to be a people's holiday."

There were some casualties along the way - this French soldier fainted during the parade.

Along the route families stopped for some snapshots. On Saturday night there will be a mass, free, open-air concert headlined by French star Michel Polnareff.