France

National flag of 100% polyester suitable for a flagpole 1500m x 900mm. The national flag of a tricolour featuring three vertical bands coloured royal blue hoist side white and red It is known English speakers as the French Tricolour or simply the Tricolour. The royal government used many flags the best known being a blue shield and yellow fleur-de-lis on a white background or state flag Early in the French Revolution the Paris militia which played a prominent role in the storming of the Bastille wore a cockade of blue and red the city's traditional colours According Lafayette white the "ancient French colour" was added the militia cockade create a tricolour or national cockade This cockade became part of the uniform of the National Guard which succeeded the militia and was commanded by Lafayette The colours and design of the cockade are the basis of the Tricolour flag adopted in 1790 A modified design by Jacques-Louis David was adopted in 1794.