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List of French flags

Adventurer · ages 7–10Adapted from Wikipedia
Historical flag (Oriflamme) associated with Charlemagne, an important leader from medieval Europe.

This article is about the flags of France that are used today. It does not include the old flags from when France had colonies around the world. You can find those in a different article called French colonial flags.

The list includes flags used by France, its overseas areas, special groups, and territories far away from France. These flags are important symbols for each place.

The French Society of Vexillology is the group in charge of making sure flags are flown correctly in France. They keep the only official list of flags for the whole country. This group started in 1985 and works with the Comité des travaux historiques et scientifiques, which is guided by the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. There is also a similar group in the region of Brittany called the Breton Vexillology Society.

National flags

This section lists flags used by France and its territories. These flags represent different parts of the country and areas around the world. The French Society of Vexillology keeps an official list of these flags to make sure they are used correctly. This group works under the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

FlagDatePartyDescription
2020–present;
originally adopted in 1794		National flag of the French Second Republic, Second French Empire, French Third Republic, French State, Provisional Government of the French Republic, French Fourth Republic, and the French Fifth Republic. Originally adopted on 15 February 1794 and interchangeable with the lighter version introduced in 1976.A vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 3:2).
1976–2020An interchangeable lighter version of the national flag of the French Fifth Republic from 1976. This version was abandoned by President Emmanuel Macron in July 2021 in favor of the version with darker shades.A vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 3:2).
2020–present;
originally adopted in 1794		Modern flag of France
1976–2020Flag of France (vertical)

Standards

France uses special flags for important people and groups. These flags have rules about how and where they can be shown.

There are flags for the President, for government ministers, and for royalty. Each flag has its own design and meaning.

FlagDatePartyDescription
1880–presentThe Presidential and Prime Minister standard of FranceA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1).
The Presidential and Prime Minister standard of France (variant)A vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 3:2).
1887–1894Presidential standard of Sadi CarnotA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "C".
1894–1895Presidential standard of Jean Casimir-PerierA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "CP".
1895–1899Presidential standard of Félix FaureA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "FF".
1899–1906Presidential standard of Émile LoubetA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "EL".
1906–1913Presidential standard of Armand FallièresA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "AF".
1913–1920Presidential standard of Raymond PoincaréA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "RP".
1920Presidential standard of Paul DeschanelA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "PD".
1920–1924Presidential standard of Alexandre MillerandA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "AM".
1924–1931Presidential standard of Gaston DoumergueA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "GD".
1931–1932Presidential standard of Paul DoumerA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "PD".
1932–1940Presidential standard of Albert LebrunA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "AL".


1940–1944Presidential standards of Philippe PétainA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red with an axe and seven golden stars.
1947–1954Presidential standard of Vincent AuriolA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "VA".
1958–1959Presidential standard of René CotyA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "RC".
1959–1969Presidential standards of Charles de GaulleA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 3:2) with the red Cross of Lorraine.
A vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with the golden "CG" and the red Cross of Lorraine.


1969–1974Presidential standards of Georges PompidouA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red with the golden "GP".


1974Presidential standards of Alain PoherA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red with the golden "AP".


1975–1981Presidential standards of Valéry Giscard d'EstaingA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red with the golden fasces.


1982–1995Presidential standards of François MitterrandA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red with the golden oak tree.


1982–1995Presidential standards of François MitterrandA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red with the golden "FM".
FlagDatePartyDescription
1880–1958Flag of the Governor ColonyA swallowtail blue ensign with a vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red in its canton (proportions 1:2).
1976–presentFlag of the Minister of OverseasA blue ensign with a vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red in its canton (proportions 1:1).
FlagDatePartyDescription
early 17th century–1789 1814–1815 1815–1830Universal standard of the kings of France from the House of Bourbon
1643–1715Royal standard of Louis XIV
1715–1789Royal standard of Louis XV and Louis XVI
1804–1814 1815Imperial standard of Napoléon I
1814–1815 1815–1830Royal standard of Louis XVIII and Charles X
1830–1848Royal standard of Louis Philippe I
1870–1873Imperial standard of Napoléon III
1873–1879
1827–1877Personal standard of Pomare IV

Military

Flags of the French Military

Army

Flags of the French Army

Flags of the French Navy

Air Force

Flags of the French Air Force

FlagDateUseDescription
Flag of the Minister of the Armed ForcesA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red (proportions 1:1) with a golden emblem.
10 August 1939–presentFlag of the Chief of the Defence StaffOriginally the marque of the Chief of the National Defence.
1916–presentFlag of the Marshal of France
FlagDateUseDescription
10 August 1939–presentFlag of the Chief of Staff of the French ArmyMarque given to the chief of staff.
1789–1793Flag of National Volunteers
FlagDateUseDescription
10 August 1939–presentFlag of the Chief of Staff of the French NavyMarque given to the chief of staff.
1794–1814
1853–present		Naval ensign of FranceA vertical tricolour of blue, white, and red, but with bars in proportion 30:33:37
1848–1910Naval ensign of French Algeria
16th century–?Naval flag of the Kingdom of France
?–1790Naval flag of the Kingdom of France (galley ensign)
1790–1794Naval ensign of Kingdom of France and French First RepublicA white flag with a bordered, first version of the French tricolore on the top hoist honour quadrant
1638–1790
1814–1815 1815–1830		Naval ensign of Kingdom of FranceA pure white flag
1943–1945Naval jack of Free FranceThe argent rhomboid field is defaced with a gules Lorraine cross.
10 August 1939–presentFlag of the Admiral of the French Navy
Flag of the Vice-Admiral D'escadre of the French Navy
Flag of the Vice-Admiral of the French Navy
Flag of the Contre-Admiral of the French Navy
Flag of the Capitaine de Vaisseau of the French Navy (Division)
Flag of the Capitaine de Vaisseau of the French Navy (Unit)
Flag of the Harbour Commanding Officer
Flag of the Senior Merchant Navy Captain in the harbour
Pennant
FlagDateUseDescription
10 August 1939–presentFlag of the Chief of Staff of the French Air ForceMarque given to the chief of staff.
1916–1917Flag of the Lafayette Escadrille

Civil Ensign

This section shows the civil ensign flags used by France. These are special flags used by regular people and businesses on ships. The French Society of Vexillology has an official list of all flags used in France. This group started in 1985 and works with the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

FlagDateUse
17th centuryCivil ensign of Kingdom of France
?–1790Civil ensign of Kingdom of France
?–1790Merchant ensign of Kingdom of France
1923–1945
1945–1949		Civil and merchant ensign of French Indochina
French pilot boat flag

Vexillology Associations

The French Society of Vexillology is the group that decides which flags can be used in France. It keeps the official list of flags for the country. This group began in 1985 and works with the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

FlagDateUse
2016–presentFlag of French Society of Vexillology
1996–presentFlag of Breton Vexillological Society

Regional and territorial flags

Main article: Flags of the regions of France

France has many flags for its regions and territories. These flags show the special identity of each part of the country. The French Society of Vexillology keeps a list of all these flags to help people use them correctly. This group works with the government to protect the history and meaning of each flag.

City flags

Main article: List of communal flags in France

This section shows flags used by some of the biggest cities in France.

FlagDateCityDescription
1945–presentParis
Main article: Flag of Paris
In the center is the coat of arms of Paris. Red is identified with Saint Denis, blue with Saint Martin.
13th century–presentMarseille
Main article: Flag of Marseille
The flag dates from the time of the Crusades. The cross is a symbol of the crusades.
?–presentLyon
Main article: Flag of Lyon
14th century–presentNiceFlag of the County of Nice (1108–1176)
?–presentNantesWhite cross of the Kingdom of France on the black cross of Brittany
1262–presentStrasbourgColors of Alsace

Political flags

Monarchist flags

These flags have been used for a long time by people in France who want a king or queen to lead.

Separatist movements flags

FlagDatePartyDescription
current
2021–presentReconquête
2010–presentEurope Ecology – The Greens
2009–presentLeft Party
Link to file1998–presentGuadeloupe Communist Party
1983–presentFrench Nationalist Party
1977–presentTahoera'a Huiraatira
1964–presentBreton Democratic Union
former
1968–2013L'Œuvre Française
1961–1962Organisation armée secrète
1941–1945National Popular Rally
1936–1945French Popular Party
1934–1944French National-Collectivist Party
1933–1944Mouvement Franciste
1927–1939French Agrarian and Peasant Party
1791–1792Feuillant
1790–1795Cordeliers
FlagUseDescription
Legitimist royalist flagWhite strewn with gold fleur-de-lis adorned with a Sacred Heart.
Flag of Cross of Burgundy.
A proposed flag of France, possible design by Henri d'Artois, comte de Chambord.
The royal banner of France or "Bourbon flag".
Civil ensign of the Kingdom of France.
Imperial standard of Napoléon III.
Flag of Lyon, because of Revolt of Lyon against the National Convention.
Royal standard of Louis XIV.
Kroaz Du, sometimes it contains Sacred Hearts next to ermine spots

Ethnic groups flags

Many cultural groups use their language and special flags from their regions. These flags are not part of this list.

FlagDateUseDescription
11th century–presentFlag of AlsatiansThe flag of Alsace is a horizontal bicolour of red over white.
?Cultural flag of ArpitaniaSun of the Alps
1894–presentFlag of BasquesIkurriña
1923–presentFlag of BretonsFlag of Brittany
1923–presentFlag of CatalansSenyera serves as a flag of Pyrénées-Orientales
1188?–presentFlag of Gascon peopleFlag of Gascony
13th century–presentFlag of Norman peopleFlag and coat of arms of Normandy
19th century–presentFlag of OccitansOccitan cross
1847–presentFlag of SavoyardsDuchy of Savoy#Flag
?–presentFlag of Yenish people
?–presentFlag of Native Guyanese
2010–presentFlag of Kanak peopleFlags of New Caledonia
1837–presentFlag of MangarevansFlag of the Gambier Islands
1980–presentFlag of MarquesansFlag of the Marquesas Islands
1788–presentFlag of TahitiansFlag of French Polynesia
1985–presentFlag of Tuamotus
Flag of TubuaiansFlag of the Austral Islands
Flag of Uvea peopleFlag of Wallis and Futuna

Historical flags

Kingdom of France

Colonial flags

Main article: French colonial flags

Alsace

Brittany

Burgundy

Corsica

Normandy

Occitania

Savoy

French Guiana

French Polynesia

Austral Islands

Gambier Islands

Marquesas Islands

Society Islands

Tuamotus

Martinique

Wallis and Futuna

Other historical flags

FlagDateUseDescription
1790–1794Flag of Kingdom of France and French First Republic
14 July 1790Revolutionist flagSimilar to the flag of Bohemia and Moravia
21 January 1793Similar to the flag of the Netherlands.
7 May 1794Similar to the flag of pre-Communist Yugoslavia.
1814–1815 1815–1830Royal flag of Kingdom of France
1848Flag of French Second Republic
1940–1944Flag of Free France
1943–1944Flag of the Milice
FlagDateUseDescription
10th century–12th centuryBanner of the Kingdom of France
12th century–13th century
14th century–16th century
1365–1792
1814–1815 1815–1830		Flag of the Kingdom of France & the Bourbon Restoration
1791–1814Flag of Armée des Émigrés
1793–1800Type of Catholic and Royal Army of Vendée flag
1715–1789State flag of the Kingdom of France under the absolute monarchy.
1365–1794The royal banner of early modern France or "Bourbon flag" was the most commonly used flag in New France.
1124–1356Oriflamme
9th century
FlagDateUse
Adopted 11th centuryHistorical flag of Alsace
1918Flag of Alsace-Lorraine Soviet Republic
1912–1918Flag of Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine
1871–1918Flag of Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine
982–1803Banner of the Prince-Bishopric of Strasbourg
FlagDateUseDescription
939–1547Flag of Duchy of Brittany
Duchy of Brittany – Kroaz Du
14th century–16th centuryBreton Army Flag and Ensign
1351Brittany banner during the Breton Civil War
FlagDateUse
918–1482Flag of Duchy of Burgundy
14th centuryFlag of Cross of Burgundy
FlagDateUse
14th centuryFlag of Corsica
?–1755Flag of Corsica
1794–1796Flag of the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom
FlagDateUseDescription
911–1469Flag of Duchy of Normandy
1035–1087William the Conquerors gonfalonWilliam the Conquerors personal gonfalon held by Eustace II, Count of Boulogne in the Bayeux Tapestry.
FlagDateUse
MedievalFlag of County of Foix
9th century–1620Flag of Viscounty of Béarn
602–1453Flag of Duchy of Aquitaine
778–1271Flag of County of Toulouse
1108–1176Flag of County of Nice
1274–1791Flag of Comtat Venaissin
1848–1849Flag of the Free Cities of Menton and Roquebrune
1944Flag of Free Republic of Vercors
FlagDateUse
1147–1847Flag of Duchy of Savoy
FlagDateUseDescription
2010–2015Flag of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana
ColonialUnofficial French GuianaBanner of arms of French Guiana.
FlagDateUseDescription
1858–1889Flag of Kingdom of Rurutu
1889–1900
1856–1891Flag of Kingdom of Rimatara
1891–1900
FlagDateUse
1832–1843Flag of Kingdom of Mangareva
FlagDateUse
1837–1842Flag of Kingdom of Tahuata
1835Flag of Kingdom of Taiohae
FlagDateUseDescription
1820–1845Flag of Kingdom of Bora Bora
1837–1842
1842–1895
1847–1888Flag of Kingdom of Huahine
1847–1880Flag of Kingdom of Raiatea
1880–1888
1822–1829Flag of Kingdom of Tahiti
1829–1843
1843–1880Flag of Tahiti Protectorate
FlagDateUse
1832–1843Flag of Tuamotu Kingdom
FlagDateUse
1766–2018Unofficial flag of Martinique
2019–2021Flag of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique
Since 2023Official flag of Martinique
FlagDateUseDescription
1842–1860Flag of the Kingdom of Uvea
1860–1886
1886–1887
1837–1858Royal standard of Uvea
1858–1887
1887–1910Unofficial flag of Wallis and Futuna
1910–1976
1976–1985
1985–2020
FlagDateUseDescription
1419Flag of Dauphin Charles (future Charles VII) upon his entry (adventus) into Bourges on 14 March 1419. According to Anselme d'Ysalguier (from Toulouse) eyewitness.
c. 1569
c. 1590Flag of the Catholic League
1870Banner of the Catholic French Papal Zouaves
1871Revolutionary banner from the Paris CommuneA plain red flag

Flag proposal

FlagDateUse
1871A proposed flag of France, possible design by Henri d'Artois, comte de Chambord.
ca. 2010Proposal by Hervé, Baron Pinoteau for the flag of a restored Kingdom of France under legitimist Bourbon branch.

Associations

In France, a group called the French Society of Vexillology keeps track of all the flags used in the country. They began in 1985 and work with the Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation. They are the only group with an official list of flags for all of France.

FlagDateUse
?–present?Human Rights League
1967–Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer
1896–1935French Society of Sea Works

French shipping company

FlagDateUseDescription
1976–2016Société nationale maritime Corse Méditerranée
1912–1962Compagnie de Navigation Sud-Atlantique
1903–1988Caen Naval Companyfr
1883–1990Compagnie Générale Transatlantique
1881–1933Fabre LineThey used the flag of Marseille.
1872–?Chargeurs
1851–1977Messageries Maritimes
1836–1979Compagnie Fraissinet
1664–1794French East India Company

French yacht clubs

FlagClub
Cercle de la voile de Paris
Cercle de la Voile d'Arcachon
Société des Régates Rochelaises
Société nautique de Marseille
Union Nationale pour la Course au Large
Yacht Club de France (Burgee)
Yacht Club de France (Ensign)
Société des Régates du Havre
Cercle nautique La Baule Le Pouliguen Pornichet

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