The first two ships were ordered on 20 January 1989, the second pair on 9 January 1990 and the final two in January 1991.
The ships are named after months of the Republican Calendar.
 The ships were built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique at Saint-Nazaire, France.
They were built using civilian construction methods as a cost saving measure.
The reduction in cost allowed the French Navy to build three for the price of one La Fayette-class frigate.
This method was also used for the later La Fayette class.
Following sea trials, the vessels were sent to Arsenal de Lorient at Lorient to have their weapons installed.
The first two ships were ordered on 20 January 1989, the second pair on 9 January 1990 and the final two in January 1991. The ships are named after months of the Republican Calendar.  The ships were built by Chantiers de l'Atlantique at Saint-Nazaire, France. They were built using civilian construction methods as a cost saving measure. The reduction in cost allowed the French Navy to build three for the price of one La Fayette-class frigate. This method was also used for the later La Fayette class. Following sea trials, the vessels were sent to Arsenal de Lorient at Lorient to have their weapons installed.
Floréal-class frigate