The day began with a tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by a large military procession along the Champs-Elysées, involving more than 7,000 personnel, armoured vehicles and flyovers by fighter jets.
Indonesia, the official guest of honour this year, joined the parade as defence agreements with France remain under discussion.
The national holiday commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, seen as a turning point in the French Revolution.
Celebrations will continue into the evening with fireworks and a drone light show at the Eiffel Tower.
