| French | Bleu de France |
|---|---|
| Katakana | Bleu de France |
| HEX | #318CE7 |
| RGB | 49, 140, 231 |
What is Bleu de France? Origin and etymology
"Bleu de France," as the name suggests, means "French blue" and is a color that symbolizes the nation of France itself.
The origins of this color can be traced back to the blue pigment that was extremely expensive and considered sacred in medieval Europe. In particular, ultramarine, made from the gemstone lapis lazuli, was depicted as "the color of the Virgin Mary's robe" and was regarded as a heavenly, sacred color. This noble image of blue later became the basis for its selection as the symbolic color of the French royal family.
Historical background of Bleu de France
The Blue de France is said to have first appeared on the historical stage in the 12th century, during the reign of King Louis VII of France. He was the first to adopt the blue background with a golden fleur-de-lis as a royal symbol. Until then, the royal colors had mainly been red and white, but it is said that he chose blue, the symbolic color of the Virgin Mary, out of his deep devotion to her, to represent the sanctity of royal power.
Since then, from the Capetian dynasty to the Valois and Bourbon dynasties, this blue has held an unshakeable position as the official color of the French royal family. As a color embodying the authority of the king and the glory of France, it was used in every aspect of the royal family, from flags and clothing to furnishings.
When the monarchy fell during the French Revolution, the Blue de France was initially seen as a symbol of the old regime. However, as part of the French tricolor flag, which was created during the revolution, blue was given a new meaning as a color symbolizing "liberty," and it continued to live on.
In modern times, it is known worldwide as the uniform color of the French national teams in sports such as soccer and rugby. They are affectionately called "Les Bleus" (The Blues) precisely because they wear this historical color. From the color of the royal family to the color of the nation, the Bleu de France continues to be an integral part of French identity.
The Bleu de France in the world of art and fashion
In the world of art, blue, a color associated with the Bleu de France, has been depicted as a symbol of sanctity and authority. The stained glass windows that adorned medieval churches, particularly the "Chartres Blue" of Chartres Cathedral, allowed light to pass through, conveying to the viewer a sense of the majestic heavenly world. Furthermore, it was used lavishly in the illustrations of lavishly decorated manuscripts such as books of hours, to depict sacred figures.
In the world of fashion, this color is beloved as a color that expresses French spirit and elegance. Its exquisite hue—not as rigid as navy, nor as light as sky blue—conveys refinement and intelligence. It has appeared in various forms throughout the ages in collections presented by French haute couture houses, creating sophisticated styles.
Blue is the only color that maintains its own unique character at every shade.
Color scheme preview
This is to check the readability of the text when this color is used as the background.
Color scheme proposal for Bleu de France
Blanc de Roi (#FDF9F0)
This noble and classic combination is reminiscent of the French royal coat of arms. It imbues the space with elegance and historical depth, creating a refined and sophisticated impression.
Gris de Payne (#2E4050)
This color scheme gives a sophisticated and intellectual impression. It enhances the vibrancy of the Bleu de France while creating a modern and calm atmosphere, resulting in a stylish space.
Boulle Flé (#F4E0B2)
This warm, natural color scheme evokes the sunshine and blue skies of Southern France. It creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, adding a touch of comfort to your living space.
Practical Scenes
In interior design, Bleu de France brings elegance and tranquility to a space. Simply incorporating it as an accent wall in a living room or study instantly elevates the room, creating an intellectual atmosphere. It also looks lovely in fabrics such as cushions, curtains, and rugs. Pairing it with white, beige, or light wood-grain furniture further enhances the beauty of the color.
In fashion, it gives a person an intelligent and sophisticated impression. It's effective to incorporate it boldly in key pieces like dresses and jackets, or to use it as an accent color in accessories such as scarves, bags, and shoes. It will be versatile enough to be worn in a wide range of situations, from business settings to casual weekend wear.
In web and graphic design, this color is ideal when you want to convey trustworthiness and integrity. Using it on corporate websites or websites of established brands creates a sense of stability and sophistication. It's effective both as a main color and as an accent color for buttons or other elements you want to draw attention to.