The Flag of France
The national flag of France, also known as the Tricolour or 'Tricolore' in French, consists of three vertical stripes of equal width, displayed from the flagpole outward in the following order: blue, white, and red. This simple yet powerful design has become an enduring symbol of French identity and values, notably liberty, equality, and fraternity.
History
The origins of the Tricolour can be traced back to the French Revolution. Initially, the flag combined the blue and red colors of the city of Paris with the royal white, symbolizing the union of the Parisian revolutionaries with the monarchy against their common enemies. Officially adopted on February 15, 1794, the flag's colors are often associated with the three main estates of the Ancien Régime: the clergy (white), the nobility (red), and the bourgeoisie (blue). However, these associations were not explicitly stated at the time of the flag's adoption. Over the years, the flag has seen several variations, particularly during the periods of monarchy and empire when the Tricolour was replaced or altered. Nonetheless, it was reinstated as the national flag following the July Revolution of 1830 and has remained unchanged since. It symbolizes the Republic's values and is a key element of France's national identity.