In a press release, the French President announced that a long-standing tradition would be making a comeback, after a 27-year hiatus. From this Tuesday, November 7, 2023, and for every first Tuesday of every month, you'll be able to watch the free changing of the Republican Guard, in front of the Élysée Palace, just like at Buckingham in England. A popular and historic attraction, appreciated by locals and tourists alike, once again open to the public at 9am.
"For the first time since 1996, the1st Infantry Regiment of the Republican Guard will perform the ceremony of the Changing of the Guard, in front of the Élysée Palace", a tradition that began in 1909, then at 7:45 am. The Republican Guard, which comprises 3,400 men and women and is part of the Gendarmerie Nationale, is an armed force that has existed since 1254.
This elite mounted regiment will march in"two sections of sixteen" along avenue de Marigny and rue de l'Élysée, meeting in front of the main gate of the Élysée Palace on rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré. After an exchange of military salutes and instructions between the two section chiefs, the members of the rising guard will enter the courtyard of honor of the palace, at a cadenced pace, before taking up their posts for the next twenty-four hours", the presidency explained in detail how this historic changeover would unfold.
Republican Guard: why do we sometimes see the gendarmerie on horseback in Paris?
It's not unusual to see gendarmes on horses roaming the streets of Paris. They are officers of the Garde républicaine, an armed force that originated in the capital in the 13th century and now resides in the Célestins district. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts November 7, 2023
Location
Elysée Palace
55, rue de Faubourg-Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris 8
Prices
Free
Republican Guard: why do we sometimes see the gendarmerie on horseback in Paris?
