This unit come from Gendarmerie Nationale with 1 cavalry regiment and 2 infantry regiment. They wear the Gendarmerie uniform of the end of the 19th century. For the cavalrymen the uniform is like the cuirassiers but without the "cuirasse". For the infantrymen they wear an infantry uniform but with blue trousers with black strip.

best regards

I think you're right! not even the same uniform, I'm a silly old Hector, a silly old Kiki hateing Hector!

They are from the Garde républicaine
Presidential Guard.
About their Duty:
They (and their Infantry counterpart) are to protect the President during Parades (14 juillet and other), the high ranking people who come visit the President in Paris, the Presidential palaces (Palais de l'Elysée) , The National places, (the 2 Houses of our Parliament: Assemblée et Sénat) the Ministers Offices.
About their uniform: I was told they wear a Dragoon uniform that goes back from the early beginning of the third Rebublic. After Napoleon the third collapse after the Franco-Prussian war in 1870.
Hope this help.
Pat

If I remember well, Preisser got a set of this unit.

preisser 663-10435
preisser 663-10460
All prepainted, 1/87 on horses, last one is also with flag bearer