Le Tricolore
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La
Fête Nationale
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The
French flag is called "Le Tricolore". This means three
colours - and is because the flag has three colours: blue, white
and red.
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Blue, white and red have always been the traditional colours of France. Originally, the flags were of one solid colour. For example the early kings used blue with gold fleurs de lys, the war standard (or oriflamme) was red and the banners of the army and navy were often white.
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The flag as we recognise it today was first used during Revolutionary France, at the end of the eighteenth century. White was recognised as the King's colour, and the colours of Paris were blue and red. By choosing those three colours, the revolutionaries in Paris united the traditional colours used by both the old government and Paris. The flag quickly became adopted as the Flag of France. When you visit France, you will see the Tricolore flying proudly above or outside all public buildings. It is always an easy way to find "L'Hôtel de Ville" or the town hall. |