Walking along the Seine, minding my own business, when the police go buy, then these guys show up on horses playing brass instruments. No clue who they are or why there were playing but it was definitely interesting! There were also guys with swords following these guys. So apparently they go along announcing their presence, THEN the guys with swords attack?
Deb, if it was on 11/11 it will be because of Armistice Day (or Remembrance Day in UK). It is a public holiday in France and Belgium. End of World War I when the Armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day etc.