I will be in Paris on the 8th of May. I seem to recall reading somewhere that there is normally a parade in Paris that day. Does anyone have any information on the event?
I've checked parisinfo.com but couldn't find any reference.
Many thanks.

According to the French Ministry of
Defence website, on May 8 the President will preside at the traditional ceremony in the place Charles de Gaulle (ie Arc de Triomphe). This year the ceremonies will be expanded with representative units from the victorious powers and of 'European youth'.

And according to the Presidential website, last year the formal military review took place on place de la Concorde, with a wreath-laying at the Arc de Triomphe.

If you don't go to the Arc de Triomphe for the ceremony, make sure you at least visit the arch that day or the next one to view the giant French flag hanging within the structure. It's a most impressive sight.
Incidentally, the holiday is called Liberation Day.

Well, I certainly feel trumped - - I tried searching yahoo.fr about an hour ago, and I couldn't really find anything using "8 mai 2005 paris fete liberation", and a couple of different combinations with fewer words - - but came up empty handed.

I was there for the parade in 1998, (I think that was the year)- - and it is a day of big national pride. There is a particular little ribbon of bleu, blanc et rouge you're supposed to wear on your collar with a special name which I have forgotten. And the Air Force typically flies with the bleu, blanc et rouge plummets of exhaust you may have seen in photographs of similar Fete National parades.

With good weather (alas, you can hope the forecasts are wrong - - pretty much rain the next seven days, but supposed to clear up by Tuesday the 10th), it ought to be a glorious day.

Best wishes,

Rex

Just an interesting footnote: My father was IN Paris on VE Day! At first he had no idea what all the hubbub was about. He said things got understandably wild that day. What a memory!!!

Ernest Hemingway, with his rag-tag "army" of French freedom fighters, went in to the Ritz Hotel bar and ordered 70 martinis!! He was a correspondent and was not supposed to carry firearms---but he did anyway. Just couldn't stand to be out of the action.

Cheers,

Jinx Hoover

Thanks for this info. I'm assuming the activities will take place in the a.m., similar to any other country's celebration.

Thanks again.

Beets, based on our experience, your assumption is correct. We arrived in Paris on the morning of May 8. And by the time we checked into our hotel, unpacked, etc., and made our way to area of the Arc, the ceremonies were all over.
Still, as I said before, seeing the massive flag flying inside the structure was most impressive!

I've never heard of them having a parade on that day, I've only heard about the standard ceremony at the Arc and the revue of the troops. I believe the traditional ceremony runs around 11 am to noon. From what I remember from the schedule I saw, the president goes up the Champs-Elysees escorted by the Republican guard, does the review of the troops which are around the place de l'Etoile. The President then puts some flowers at the tomb of the unknown soldier and then I think there is the taps and minute of silence. Then, he salutes the soldiers there who served in WWII. The Prime Minister and Defense Minister are there, also.

I think it all takes about 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

I bet that is why there is a Bar Hemingway at the Ritz!!!

This year is quite special in terms of ceremonies in Europe. This is the 60th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and other countries as well I'm assuming. My Dad was a soldier in Arnheim (Canadian forces) on VE Day,and my parents are right now in Holland for the celebrations. Because most veterans are now in their 80's this is probably the last big hurrah! We(our family) have made wonderful friends with different host families in Europe over the last 20 years at these anniversary celebrations because of their appreciation of the Canadian forces' presence at the end of the war. I know that May 8 is Liberation Day in most European coutries and parades are a big thing during the commemorative services.