France’s blue, white, and red tricolor is usually explained as a mix of Paris and monarchy symbolism : blue and red are the traditional colors of Paris, while white is associated with the Bourbon monarchy.

A simpler modern reading is:

  • Blue: liberty or the people of Paris.
  • White: the royal element or peace.
  • Red: fraternity, strength, or the people of Paris.

Some sources also describe the colors as reflecting the revolutionary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity, though that interpretation is more symbolic than officially fixed.

In short, the flag’s colors mainly came together during the French Revolution to represent the union of the city of Paris with the monarchy, later becoming a national symbol of the Republic.