Bastille Day seats
 

This is probably a question for Kerouac. When I was in Paris in early July this year, I noticed there were viewing stands set up along the Champs Elysees for the Bastille Day parade. Are these seats all reserved for VIPs or can they be purchased? I want to see the parade next year, and would be willing to get up early to stand along the Champs, but I would much rather be able to have a seat in the stands.

Frankly, I have no idea if any of the seating is for sale, but I don't think so. I had a seat once in my life, but I had received an invitation from the President's office.

I'd think you'd get the best view of such events on TV anyway.

Patrick is correct, and the television coverage is excellent on both channels 1 and 2, but there is naturally extra excitement from actually being there.

You absolutely do not want to be near the Arc de Triomphe, because a lot of the units enter the parade from side streets below it.

The best place in my opinion is the Rond Point des Champs Elysées at avenue Franklin Roosevelt/avenue Montaigne, because besides seeing the marching troops and armoured vehicles, you have an unobstructed view of the aerial flyovers.

It is a great thrill to hear horse cavalry in a parade: silence interrupted only by hoofs clopping, sabers rattling, tack creaking. The sounds of the not so distant pass.

When we watched the Armistice Day parade on the Champs several years ago, we were physically searched,vigorously and intimately physically searched, before we were allowed behind the steel barriers that separate the viewing areas from the rest of the sidewalk.

If you want an unobstructed view of the parade, and don't mind getting up before dawn, there are a few full dress-rehearsals down the Champs-Elysees a few days before the 14th - much to the annoyance of anyone trying to sleep in the vicinity. We found out about it while dog-sitting for a friend - and also realized why he always left town at this time of year!

http://www.garnison-paris.terre.defe...ps-elysees.htm