In Roman times, 2000 years ago, France was known as Gaul. The Latin word "Gallus" not only meant "a person who lives in Gaul" but also was the word for "rooster". The Romans liked this joke, and over a period of time, this play on words meant that the rooster came to represent the Gauls.

So the rooster started as a joke and is an icon that has been used by people for nearly two thousand years! In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the rooster was used by the Kings of France to represent France, in pictures and on coins.

Later on, in 1789, during the French Revolution, this symbol was adopted by the Revolutionary leaders to represent France. Napoleon introduced the symbol of the eagle to replace the rooster, since he felt it was more "important" and kingly.

But the rooster wouldn't die! Later in the nineteenth century it was brought back and used on flags, the uniform and buttons of the National Guard, the great seal of France, the twenty franc gold coin and the gates of the Elysée Palace (the President's Official residence).

Le Coq Sportif also became used on lots of buildings and bridges as a symbol of the Republic. The illustrations on the left show a bridge across the River Rhone in Lyon. The bridge was constructed in the later part of the nineteenth century. The French roosters stand proudly above the bridge on columns on both sides.

World War I (1914 - 1918) saw the meaning of the cockerel symbol change. It became a symbol of French courage and readiness to fight to the death in the face of war.

During the twentieth century, the Cockerel has become associated with French sport. It is the emblem for the country's sporting teams, representing French pride, tenacity (ability to hang in) and courage. It is often featured on postage stamps as an Icon of France.

Source: http://www.premier-ministre.gouv.fr