This flag was used from 1400 until 1590. The most important flag carried by explorers and settlers was most likely the royal flag, since this was a symbol of authority of the king in the new lands. This flag represented directly the shield in the royal French coat of arms. Fleur-de-lis translates to “Flower of the Lilly”.Although it was carried by the explorers, it is doubtful that is was actually ever raised over land. At the time the practice of placing a permanent marker was preferred.
French fleur-de-lis (Fleur 23)…
This flag and this design with the coat of arms of France in the center are most commonly associated with ceremonial occasions from 1590-1790. There was no specified number of fleurs-de-lis for this flag. Actually this design was printed onto lengths of yardgoods and cutoff to size as needed. The origin of the fleur-de-lis symbol is not known for certain. Some have seen it as a flower, others as weapon, and still others as a frog. The original Banner of France was strewn with fleurs-de-lis.
French fleur-de-lis (white)…
Prior to the French Revolution, there was no national flag which represented France. A variety of flags were used by troops, different types of ships and for other purposes. From 1590-1790 this flag is one of four that was used on warships and fortresses. The plain white flag, known as the Bourbon Banner, and this white flag with three golden fleurs-de-lis, a white flag with many fleurs-de-lis, or a white flag with many fleurs-de-lis with the arms of France in the center. The simpler designs such as this were used in ordinary circumstances and it is believed that the white flag of France flew over all or most of the French forts and settlements in America.