The "Tricolore" (three-color) flag is the flag of France. It had its origins in the union, at the time of the French Revolution, with the colors of the King (white) and the City of Paris (blue and red). Today, the "Tricolore" flies over all public buildings. It is also flown at most official ceremonies, both civil and military. The law of 27 pluviôse, Year II (February 15, 1794), established the "Tricolore" as the national flag. At the recommendation of the painter Jacques-Louis David, the law stipulated that the blue should be flown nearest the flagstaff.

Source: Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs- France