July 14 2017: France celebrates the storming of the Bastile

Bastille Day celebrations have begun under tight security. President Donald Trump is on hand as the guest of honor to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the US's entry into World War I.

On his first Bastille Day as president, Emmanuel Macron attended the French capital's military parade alongside his US counterpart, Donald Trump. Fearing attacks, police emptied the famed Champs-Elysees two hours before the parade began, along with the Place de la Concorde, the largest square in Paris, at the avenue's eastern end.

"This is a wonderful national celebration," Trump had said during his joint news conference with Macron on Thursday. "We look very much forward to it," he added. "Spectacular."

This year's parade commemorates the centenary of the US's entry into World War I and features military aircraft and soldiers from both countries to stress the continued Franco-American martial cooperation in the Middle East and elsewhere.

DW