<Tr> <Th> Adopted </Th> <Td> 15 February 1794 (with equal bars); 17 May 1853 (with bars in proportion 30: 33: 37) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Design </Th> <Td> As above, but with bars in proportion 30: 33: 37 . (See French ensigns .) </Td> </Tr> <P> The flag of France (French: Drapeau français) is a tricolour flag featuring three vertical bands coloured blue (hoist side), white, and red . It is known to English speakers as the French Tricolour or simply the Tricolour (French: Tricolore). The Tricolour has become one of the most influential flags in history, with its three - colour scheme being copied by many other nations, both in Europe and the rest of the world . </P> <P> The royal government used many flags, the best known being a blue shield and gold fleur - de-lis (the Royal Arms of France) 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 to French general Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, white was the "ancient French colour" and was added to the militia cockade to 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 . The only difference was that the 1790 flag's colours were reversed . A modified design by Jacques - Louis David was adopted in 1794 . The royal white flag was used during the Bourbon restoration from 1815 to 1830; the tricolour was brought back after the July Revolution and has been used ever since 1830 . </P>

What are the colours of the french flag