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 with their own eyes its architectural sights. In our article you will learn about the features of French architecture.
Romanesque period
The period when this style evolved 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-nave basilicas were most widely spread. Their arches were cylindrical. For example, the church of Saint-Sernin in the city of Toulouse. It was built around 1080 and named after the first bishop of the city. The photo below shows an example of the Romanesque architecture of France.
The church is built of brick. Its layout resembles a cross. However, unlike French architecture of that period, the church has vaulted ceilings. In addition, she has another difference, this gallery. During the 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 structure of this direction appeared in the northern part of the country. By the first half of the 13th century, Gothic spread throughout all the lands of France. It is based on the frame system, due to which the load on the bearing walls is reduced. That is why the architectural structures are becoming more elegant and thinner. Architects have the opportunity to use large windows, decorate them with colored stained-glass windows. So the facades are enriched with lancet arches, as well as numerous sculptural compositions.
At the beginning of the 14th century, the architecture of France is noticeably modified. Many decorative elements appear. 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 the flames.
Gothic architecture in France is represented by various cathedrals in Paris, Chartres and other cities. The brightest representative of Gothic architecture is the Church of the Abbey of Saint-Denis.
In subsequent years, buildings were built in this style, but we are smoothly moving from the 14th century to the 17th century.
Seventeenth century
This period in France was 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 European culture. The architecture of France of the 17th century is characterized by logic, simplicity, clarity, poise and strict proportions. Construction and control are now in the hands of the country. A new position appeared in the palace - the king’s architect, or the first architect. Huge financial resources are allocated for the construction of government orders. Construction is monitored by government agencies not only in the capital, but even in provincial towns. The state is embraced by urban planning. Renaissance French architecture appears. New settlements grow 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 ditches, walls, bastions, gates and towers. Inside each city there is a clear rectangular system of streets with a main square. For example, the cities of Anrishmon 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 in the city there will be direct highways, built city ensembles, and squares of the correct form will adorn a random network of medieval streets.
Breathtaking from the architecture of France! The classicism style is represented by such squares as Vendome, Charles de Gaulle, Grivskaya, Chatelet, Madeleine and others.
Place Vendome
This striking example of classicism is located in the first district of the capital of France. The square is based on the octagon. It is named after the descendant of Henry 4. It is noteworthy that his mansion stands nearby. The square was designed by architect Jules Arduin-Mansard. Construction was started in 1699. Two years later, the work was completed. The square was conceived according to the royal scheme. Beautiful buildings with elegant facades formed a closed single space, and in its center stands a monument to Louis 14. However, during the years of the Great Revolution, this symbol of the monarchy did not survive. When Napoleon Bonaparte ruled France, a bronze column was installed in the heart of Place Vendome. Its height was 44 meters, and the material for it was Austrian and Russian guns. Art critics consider the prototype of the Vendome column the obelisk of Trajan in Rome.
Palace of versailles
Classicism in French architecture 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 grand 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 by order of Louis 13. The architect Louis Levo, as well as the famous park decorator Andre Lenotre, modified and expanded a small castle. Left erects an impressive facade, looking into the park, which at that time designed Lenotre. 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. It is a synthesis of architecture, landscape design and sculpture.
In subsequent years, the Versailles ensemble was rebuilt by the architect Jules Arduin-Mansart. It further enlarges the palace. On each side erects two wings, which have a length of 500 meters each. Arduin-Mansard is building two more floors above the terrace of the previous decorator.
Thus, the Mirror Gallery appears, which closes the Halls of Peace and War. Arduin-Mansard did not stop there. Nearby, he erects two ministerial corps that formed the Courtyard 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 of the 17th century is subject to the strict centralized principle of composition, which allows bringing various elements of the ensemble to a single artistic whole, which makes it possible to distinguish the palace as the most important part of the ensemble.
XVIII century
The previous century was marked by grandiose large-scale construction work, 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 the cities. New century - new needs. It becomes clear that it is necessary to build new completely different residential mansions. Bourgeois relations are developing in this era. Industry and trade are growing. The third estate strengthens its role in society, and also sets the task for the construction of new public buildings, such as exchanges, retail premises, 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 architects have new requirements in the construction of urban ensembles.
The architecture of France of the 18th century is accompanied by the collapse of theoretical concepts and construction practice. Leading urban planners in their theories still tend to antiquity, but in practice they deviate from rigor and irrationalism. In place of Arduen-Monsar, Robert de Cott comes. 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.
Souflo and the Church of St. Genevieve
The Pantheon, or, as it was previously called, the Genevieve Church, quickly turned from a religious building into a historical monument. Initially, the construction was conceived by Louis 15. Jacques-Germain Soufflot set about developing the project, because he had recently returned from Italy. It should be noted that his idea was broader than the ideas of the customer. The architect presented the sovereign with a plan, which included not only a temple, but also an area with two educational publications for the faculty of theology and law. Soon, Souflo abandoned this idea, he limited himself to building a 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 remaining parts of the wall remain deaf, 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 was bricked, which gave the structure a austere and slightly gloomy appearance. Then they removed a lot of luxurious decorations and sculptures. Many prominent figures of France rest under the arches of the Pantheon. The remains of scientists, historians, philosophers and writers are laid to rest there. Today in the Pantheon the remains of the bodies of the Curie, Voltaire, Rousseau family, etc. are stored. It is noteworthy that 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 got into the Pantheon only in 2002.
Theaters
The architecture of France of the eighteenth century is marked by the appearance of new buildings of a public type. During this period, theaters appeared not only in Paris. In many other provincial cities, theatrical buildings are growing, which bear in their appearance 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 architect Victor Louis, is considered the most beautiful and revered building of this orientation in France. The theater building is massive and rectangular. He stands in an open area. Its facade is decorated with a twelve-columned portico. There are beautiful statues of goddesses and muses, which determine the purpose of the room. The main staircase in the theater is first single-marching, then it is divided into two sleeves. They lead to opposite sides of the room. It is worth noting that such a grand staircase became a model for other theatrical buildings in France. Urban planners believe that the Bordeaux Theater is made in the style of simple, clear and solemn architecture.
Thus, this building has become one of the most valuable monuments in 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 of the 19th century is the style of Napoleon the third. The economy is developing. This phenomenon has led to major changes in urban planning and architecture. Bright representatives of this architectural trend are the Paris Opera, as well as the Garnier Opera. The buildings are characterized by the highest facades, roofs, as well as attics. The buildings are richly decorated. 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 the Third is filled with forms and decorative motifs, as well as naturalism. A huge amount of investment in real estate 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 appeared houses decorated with paired columns. The capital of France appeared before the townspeople in the image of a city with multi-storey buildings.
Modern monuments
The new sights of French architecture include Disneyland, which is located in Paris. Many believe that this is an American theme, but the Le Bourget air show does not apply to such. Its area is located almost in the heart of the city. Every year, an amazing large-scale show is held in which the best pilots of the planet, including from the Russian Federation, participate. If suddenly someone did not get to an air show, then do not be upset, because you can visit the museum dedicated to aviation. The exhibition has collected and presented collections of not only aircraft, but also the most amazing variety of aircraft.
Fans of tall buildings and towers should visit the La Défense district, typical of modern French architecture. It is here that tourists will find structures 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 highest is considered the 180-meter tower of the Fiat automobile concern, which is decorated with sparkling black granite.
Finally
The architecture style of France will not disappoint anyone. The most attentive tourists may not be enough for a year to study all the sights of France and Paris with due attention.