For centuries, France has been considered the capital of tourism. Every year, several million travelers go on tours of the lands of Louis XIV. They want to see its architectural sights with their own eyes. In our article you will learn about the features of French architecture.
Romance period
The period when this style took shape in architecture fell at the end of the 11th and the main part of the 12th century. Historians believe that this is the time when in France there was not only a material, but also a spiritual rise in the culture of the Middle Ages. Three-aisled basilicas are the most widespread. Their vaults were cylindrical. For example, the church of Saint-Sernin in the city of Toulouse. It was built around 1080 and named after the city's first bishop. The photo below shows an example of Romanesque architecture in France.
The church is built of bricks. Its layout resembles a cross. However, unlike the French architecture of that period, the church has vaultedceilings. In addition, she has another difference, this is the presence of a gallery. During Mass, you can walk around the church and not disturb the parishioners.
Gothic
Gothic architecture in France developed by the beginning of the 12th century. The first building of this direction appeared in the northern part of the country. By the first half of the 13th century, Gothic had spread throughout France. It is based on a frame system, due to which the load on the load-bearing walls is reduced. That is why architectural structures become more elegant and thinner. Architects have the opportunity to use large windows, decorate them with colored stained-glass windows. Thus, the facades are enriched with lancet arches, as well as numerous sculptural compositions.
At the beginning of the 14th century, the architecture of France changed noticeably. There are many decorative elements. The facades are decorated with statues, which are characterized by recognizable body curves and postures. The first half of this century is called Flaming Gothic, as the window openings are similar to flames.
Gothic architecture in France is represented by various cathedrals in Paris, Chartres and other cities. The brightest representative of the Gothic is the Abbey of Saint-Denis.
In subsequent years, buildings were erected in this style, but we are moving smoothly from the 14th century to the 17th century.
Seventeenth century
This period in France is marked by the growth of cities, the development of gardens and parks. Historians call this century in architecture the era of classicism. This time is one of the brightest in the development of Western Europeanculture. The architecture of France in the 17th century is characterized by logic, simplicity, clarity, balance and strict proportions. Construction and control are now in the hands of the country. A new position appeared in the palace - the architect of the king, or the first architect. Enormous financial resources are allocated for the construction of state orders. Construction is controlled by government agencies not only in the capital, but even in provincial towns. The state is covered by town-planning works. Renaissance architecture in France. New settlements are springing up around royal palaces and castles. Basically, the designed objects are in the form of a square or rectangle. In rare cases, these are polygons that are formed by defensive elements, namely moats, walls, bastions, gates and towers. Within each city there is a distinct rectangular street system with a main square. For example, the cities of Henrichmont and Marl. The king gives the order to rebuild the old buildings so that they are based on the principle of regular planning. This means that the city will have straight highways, erected urban ensembles, and squares of the correct form will decorate the chaotic network of medieval streets.
The French architecture is breathtaking! Classicism style is represented by such squares as Vendôme, Charles de Gaulle, Greve, Chatelet, Madeleine and others.
Place Vendôme
This striking example of classicism is located in the first arrondissement of the French capital. The square is based on an octagon. It is named after a descendant of Henry 4. It is noteworthy that histhe mansion is nearby. The square was designed by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Construction began in 1699. Two years later, the work was completed. The area was conceived according to the royal scheme. Beautiful buildings with elegant facades formed a closed single space, and in its center there is a monument to Louis 14. However, during the years of the Great Revolution, this symbol of the monarchy did not survive. When France was ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte, a bronze column was erected in the heart of Place Vendôme. Its height was 44 meters, and Austrian and Russian guns served as the material for it. Art historians consider Trajan's obelisk in Rome to be the prototype of the Vendome Column.
Palace of Versailles
Classicism in the architecture of France is also represented by the Palace of Versailles, which is considered the highest point in the development of this style. It should be noted that this palace and park ensemble is a grandiose residence of the French monarchs, which was built in the suburbs of Paris.
The history of the residence begins in the 17th century, namely in 1623. Previously, this place was a modest hunting castle, which was built on the orders of Louis 13. The architect Louis Leveau, as well as the famous park decorator Andre Le Nôtre, modified and expanded the small castle. On the left, he erects an imposing façade overlooking the park, which at that time was designed by Le Nôtre. On the second floor, Levo opened a terrace, where the Mirror Gallery later appeared.
Thus, by the end of the second construction cycle, the Palace of Versailles turned into a palace and park ensemble. He imaginesis a synthesis of architecture, landscape design and sculpture.
In subsequent years, the Versailles ensemble was rebuilt by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. He enlarges the palace even more. On each side erects two wings, which are 500 meters long each. Hardouin-Mansart builds two more floors above the previous decorator's terrace.
Thus, the Mirror Gallery appears, which closes the Halls of Peace and War. Hardouin-Mansart did not stop there. Nearby, he erects two ministerial buildings, which formed the Court of Ministers. Then he connects them with a rich gilded lattice. It should be noted that all buildings are decorated in the same style. The architecture of France in the 17th century is subject to a strict centralized principle of composition, which allows you to bring the various elements of the ensemble to a single artistic whole, which makes it possible to single out the palace as the most important part of the ensemble.
Eighteenth century
The previous century was marked by grandiose large-scale construction works, where a close connection of elements with baroque architecture is found. However, in the 18th century, the architecture of France changes. As mentioned above, cities were previously built, now construction is moving inside cities. New century, new needs. It becomes clear that it is necessary to build new completely different residential houses-mansions. In this era, bourgeois relations develop. Industry and trade are growing. The third estate strengthens its role in the life of society, and also puts forward the task of building new public buildings, such as stock exchanges, tradingpremises, public theaters and so on. The role of cities is growing not only in the political, but also in the economic life of the state, which means that new requirements appear before the architects in the construction of urban ensembles.
The architecture of France in the 18th century is accompanied by the collapse of theoretical ideas and building practice. Leading urban planners still lean towards antiquity in their theories, but in practice they deviate from rigor and irrationality. In place of Hardouin-Monsart comes Robert de Cotte. Strict classicism is being replaced by the intricate rococo style. A striking representative in the architecture of this direction is the architectural monument - the Pantheon.
Souflot and Saint Genevieve
The Pantheon, or, as it was previously called, the Church of Genevieve, quickly turned from a religious building into a historical monument. Initially, the building was conceived by Louis XV. Jacques-Germain Souflot set about developing the project, because he had recently returned from Italy. It should be noted that his idea turned out to be wider than the ideas of the customer. The architect presented the sovereign with a plan that included not only a temple, but also a square with two textbooks for the faculty of theology and law. Souflo soon abandoned this idea, he limited himself only to the construction of the church. At its base lies a cross. It is crowned with a huge dome, which is surrounded by columns. The facade of the building is emphasized by a powerful portico of six columns, the rest of the wall remains blank, that is, without openings. The maximum height of the pantheon is about 120 meters.
During the revolution, the Pantheon was slightly modified. It was during this period that it was decided to make a tomb out of it. Part of the windows were bricked up, which gave the building an austere and slightly gloomy look. At the same time, many luxurious decorations and sculptures were removed. Many outstanding figures of France are buried under the arches of the Pantheon. The remains of scientists, historians, philosophers and writers are buried there. Today, the remains of the bodies of the Curie family, Voltaire, Rousseau, etc. are stored in the Pantheon. It is noteworthy that the Parisians are quite jealous of who will be buried in this mausoleum. So far, only 71 people have been awarded this honor. For example, Dumas entered the Pantheon only in 2002.
Theatres
The architecture of eighteenth century France is marked by the appearance of new public buildings. During this period, theaters appeared not only in Paris. In many other provincial cities, theatrical buildings are springing up, which in their appearance carry an important part of the urban architectural ensemble. For example, the theater in the city of Bordeaux, which was built by the end of the 18th century by the architect Victor Louis, is considered the most beautiful and revered building of this direction in France. The theater building is massive and rectangular. He stands in an open area. Its façade is decorated with a twelve-columned portico. There are also beautiful statues of goddesses and muses that determine the purpose of the room. The main staircase in the theater is at first single-flight, then it is divided into two sleeves. They lead to opposite sides of the room. It is worth noting that such a front staircase has become a model for other theatrical buildings. France. Urban planners believe that the theater of Bordeaux is designed in the style of simple, clear and solemn architecture.
Thus, this building has become one of the most valuable monuments of France.
Nineteenth century
New century - new trends. In architecture, the 19th century of the French state is determined by the development of the proletarian and democratic movement. The architecture of France in the 19th century is the style of Napoleon III. The economy is developing. This phenomenon has led to major changes in urban planning and architecture. The Paris Opera and the Opera Garnier are considered to be prominent representatives of this architectural trend. Buildings are characterized by tall facades, roofs, and attics. The buildings are richly decorated. The architects used materials of exceptionally high quality. The interiors of the new buildings were decorated with rich furniture and delicate fabrics.
In other words, the style of Napoleon III is filled with forms and decorative motifs, as well as naturalism. A huge amount of investment in real estate has changed the architecture of French cities, which allowed the urban planner and decorators to freely express their ideas, which is not forbidden by bourgeois society. So there were houses, decorated with paired columns. The capital of France appeared before the citizens in the form of a city with high-rise buildings.
Modern Monuments
Disneyland, which is located in Paris, can be attributed to the new sights of French architecture. Many people think thatthis is an American theme, but the Le Bourget air show is not one of those. Its square is located almost in the heart of the city. Every year, an amazing large-scale show is held here, in which the best pilots of the planet participate, including those from the Russian Federation. If suddenly someone did not get to the air show, then you should not be upset, because you can visit the museum dedicated to aviation. The exposition contains collections of not only aircraft, but also the most amazing variety of aircraft.
Lovers of tall buildings and towers should visit the La Défense district, typical of modern French architecture. It is here that tourists will find buildings made of glass and concrete. Locals call it Parisian Manhattan. It is considered the business center of Paris, where a huge number of offices of world companies are located. The 180-meter tower of the Fiat auto concern, which is finished with black sparkling granite, is considered the highest.
In closing
The style of French architecture will not disappoint anyone. Even a year may not be enough for the most attentive tourists to explore all the sights of France and Paris itself with due attention.
