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The rooster
The rooster is a customary symbol of France. It is not an official symbol, but it has become a strong national symbol.
Key points of the sheet
- In Antiquity, the Romans called the Gauls "Gallus". This Latin word meant both "Gaul" and "rooster". So the rooster came to represent the Gaul.
- At first, the rooster was mocking. Little by little, it became a symbol of pride and courage.
- From the Renaissance, and above all during the French Revolution, the rooster begins to appear on coins and flags. It then honours peasants who work hard and are attached to the land.
- The tricolour flag, Marianne and the national motto are official symbols of the Republic. The rooster is not officially recognised.
- The rooster is used in economic and cultural diplomacy. For example, it is the logo of La French Tech.
- The rooster can be seen on the front of some town halls (mairies) or war memorials. It is also on the shirts of national sports teams.
Words to know
- Gallus
- It is a Latin word. It meant both "Gaul" and "rooster".
- customary symbol (symbole coutumier)
- The rooster is a customary symbol. It is not officially recognised as a symbol of the Republic.
- national symbol (symbole national)
- The rooster is widely used, so it has become a strong national symbol.
- war memorials (monuments aux morts)
- The rooster is on the front of some war memorials.
Test yourself: 3 questions
What did the Latin word "Gallus" mean?
In French, the language of the exam: Que voulait dire le mot latin « Gallus » ?
For the Romans, "Gallus" meant both "Gaul" and "rooster".
Since when has the rooster appeared on coins?
In French, the language of the exam: Depuis quand le coq apparaît-il sur des monnaies ?
The rooster begins to appear on coins and flags from the Renaissance.
During the French Revolution, who does the rooster honour?
In French, the language of the exam: Pendant la Révolution française, qui le coq valorise-t-il ?
The rooster then honours peasants who work hard and are attached to the land.
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Questions on the ministry's list that rest on this sheet
- Which national symbol appears on the shirts of the French national football team?
- Which animal is a symbol of France?
- Which are symbols of the French Republic that are officially recognised?
More in this topic (The symbols of the Republic)
Source
Sheet “Le coq” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.