Bastille Day celebrations in France

Bastille Day celebrations are under way in Paris with large crowds attending the traditional parade along the Champs Elysees, despite heavy rain.

Armies from former African colonies celebrating 50 years of independence were invited to join the military parade.

A human rights group has said that some of the troops and leaders should instead be facing trial for war crimes.

The storming of the Bastille in 1789 is viewed symbolically as the birth of the modern French republic.