Coat of Arms of France facts for kids

France's National Emblem

The national emblem of France has been a symbol of the country since 1953. It is not officially the coat of Arms but it appears on French passports.

On it you can see:

A wide shield with the head of a lion and two letters, "RF". This means République Française (French Republic in french).
A laurel branch that symbolises victory of the Republic.
An oak branch that symbolises perenity or wisdom.
The fasces is a symbol associated with justice (from Roman axes.

Images for kids

In 1881 Foreign Minister de Freycinet proposed a coat of arms that was not successfully implemented
Baldachin, banners and mantles (1223)
Bust of Charlemagne (1349)
Caparison and banners (c. 1455)
Tent (15th century)
Cushion, mantle and upholstery (1701)
Baldachin (2010)
Ceiling (2018)
Marshal's baton (imperial)
Grand Constable of France's scabbard
The arms adorning the Foreign Ministry in 1905
Jaulmes greater version used in Strasbourg in 1925
The arms emblazoned onto the reverse side of the Medal for Fidelity to France, instituted in 1922
Escutcheons in the UNGA hall intended to be emblazoned with national arms, including France's., but removed in 1956.
The arms depicted on presidential inaugural documents.
The arms depicted on Jean-Loup Chrétien's suit at the 1988 Aragatz mission to the Mir space station
The arms (l.) adorning Rome's Church of Saint Nicholas of the Lorrainers, dedicated to France