A song born during the Revolution

Rouget de Lisle composed this song in Strasbourg in 1792, against the backdrop of war. It was initially titled War Song for the Army of the Rhine.

The origin of the name

The song was notably taken up by volunteers from Marseille travelling to Paris, which helped give it the name La Marseillaise.

A symbol of the Republic

The Constitution designates La Marseillaise as the national anthem. It is performed at official ceremonies and events. Its warlike language must be understood in its historical context.