French Epaulettes

In the French Armed Forces, ceremonial yellow-gold shoulder epaulettes (épaulettes de tradition) serve as an important visual marker for an officer's rank, branch of service, and historical tradition. These components of the dress uniform follow highly strict design protocols.

French Navy (Marine Nationale)

French Navy officers wear a dark blue or crisp white dress uniform on ceremonial occasions.

• Shoulder Boards: The modern navy primarily uses rigid, rectangular shoulder pieces covered in dark fabric, featuring gold rank stripes (galons) and an anchor emblem.
• Fringed Epaulettes: Classical epaulettes with heavy yellow-gold fringes are largely reserved within the navy for flag officers (admirals) or specific honor guards during state visits.

French Army (Armée de Terre)

The French Army retains the classical fringed design for its prestigious military academies and specialized regiments during national ceremonies such as Bastille Day (Quatorze Juillet).

• Saint-Cyr Academy: Officer cadets from the elite academy École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr wear striking red and yellow ceremonial epaulettes.
• Regimental Differences: The exact color combination of the pad, the crescent (tournante), and the fringes varies by branch (such as Infantry, Cavalry, or Artillery).