It is a part of the French Gendarmerie.

It consists of 2 infantry regiments (including 1 motorcycle squadron) and 1 cavalry regiment (the last horse-mounted French military unit). It has 4 musical formations as well as groups demonstrating prowess in horseback or motorcycle maneuvers.

Its missions include:

• guarding important public buildings in Paris such as the Élysée Palace, the residence of the prime minister, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Hall of Justice, and keeping public order in Paris;
• honor and security services for the highest national personalities and important foreign guests;
• patrolling the forests of the Île-de-France region.;
• transporting and escorting urgent organ transplants.