France
- Language
- French
- Anthem
- La Marseillaise
- Duration
- 1:19
- Status
- Despite ongoing debates to alter its militant lyrics for modern times, the original words remain unchanged, with typically only the first verse sung today.
France National Anthem History
La Marseillaise
Composed in 1792 during the French Revolution, "La Marseillaise" quickly became France's national anthem, though it experienced periods of official disuse. It was permanently restored in 1870 and has since been a powerful symbol of French identity.
France
La Marseillaise
History timeline
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1792 (April)
Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle composed 'Hymne de Guerre' in Strasbourg for the French Revolutionary Army.
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1792 (July)
Troops from Marseille sang it entering Paris, leading Parisians to dub it 'La Marseillaise'.
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1795
It was officially adopted as France's national anthem during the First Republic.
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1870
After periods of official neglect, 'La Marseillaise' was permanently restored as the national anthem during the Third Republic.
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1958
Article 2 of the Constitution of the Fifth Republic formally reaffirmed it as the official national anthem.
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1974
President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing briefly modified its tempo, which was reverted to the original pace in 1981.
For decades, 'La Marseillaise' was widely adopted as an anthem by international revolutionary and socialist movements, including briefly by radical socialists in Russia before 'The Internationale' took hold.