French Colonial Empire
Empire Colonial Français
1534–1980
Flag of
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Left: Royal Standard of France (before 1792)
Right: Flag of the French Empire
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French colonial empire 17th century-20th century
  France
  First colonial empire (after 1534)
  Second colonial empire (after 1830)
StatusColonial empire
CapitalParis
Religion
Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Louisiana Voodoo, Haitian Vodou, Buddhism, Hinduism
History 
• Cartier claimed Gaspé Bay
1534
• Sale of Louisiana
1803
• Conquest of Algeria
1830–1852
• French Union
1946
• French Community
1958
• Independence of Vanuatu
1980
CurrencyFrench franc and various other currencies
Succeeded by
Overseas departements
Overseas territory (France)
French Union
French Community