Freemasonry in France has been influential on the worldwide Masonic movement due to its founding of Continental Freemasonry.
Masonic symbols (sword of Lafayette).
18th century Masonic plate from France
Philippe d'Orléans as Grand Master of the Grand Orient de France
18th century Masonic temple at the Château de Mongenan (Portets, Gironde).
Grande Loge de France (G∴L∴D∴F∴) is a Masonic obedience based in France. Its conception of Freemasonry is spiritual, traditional and initiatory. Its ritual is centred on the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. It occupies a unique position in the landscape of French Freemasonry but maintains its closest relationships with obediences belonging to Continental Freemasonry. It is an independent and sovereign Masonic Power, and shares its motto Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité with France.
The Duke of Wharton, Grand Master of Freemasons in France in 1728
1771 portrait painting of Louis, Count of Clermont, Grand Master of the Grande Loge de France from 1743 to 1771, by François Hubert Drouais
The Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Conseil de France from 1838 to 1860: Élie, Duc Decazes, here in 1859
Gustave Mesureur, thrice Grand Master of the Grande Loge de France