What is French Blue?

How elusive- that color of French blue. I have always wondered exactly what tint or shade it is.

Technically, it is blue pigment made of powdered lapis lazuli, but I have also seen it defined as made from ultramarine pigment.

Be that as it may, I have seen numerous samples on our driving trip around France. Here are some to help you decide...

 

Looks lovely with the ochre!

Slightly greener...

or darker...

Weathered...

or bold!

Lovely doors, eh?

Same building, two different shades

A lacquered French blue, which is the first lacquered door I've seen in the countryside.

A lavender bend on French blue- gorgeous!

Beautiful doors, beautiful setting

So, which picture says French blue to you?