National- and tradingflag since 15th of 1794. The flag is also called trikolore. The colours blue, white and red became to symbols for freedom, equality and fraternity. White ist the colour of the bourbons, blue and red are the colours from Paris. France was till to the French Revolution 1789 a monarchy then it became  a republik. The trikolore was been used while the revolution and is since then a symbol for freedom, equality and fraternity about the whole world. Other nations has took over the design. As France has no heraldic sign it is also the national emblem.