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| France has contributed significantly to the world in the field of architectural innovation for many centuries. France has created several classical as well as modern architectural masterpieces that never fail to mesmerize their visitors with their architectural excellence.
The history of architecture in France dates back to period before Christ but the earliest notable surviving architectural example of ancient France is the 7th century AD baptistery of Saint Jean at Poitiers. The churches of that period were inspired with the design of the Roman basilica having stone walls, timber roofs, bell towers, and echoed classical motifs in their ornamentation.
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During the 8th century AD, a great building campaign began in France under the king Charlemagne. The Chapel of Charlemagne (796-804) at Aachen is a beautiful example of early French architecture. From the 8th century to 12th century AD was the period of Romanesque style architecture in France, and in this period several important innovations were made in the church architecture.
Among most notable Romanesque structure was the 11th century Benedictine Monastery Church at Cluny in Burgundy, which was destroyed in the 19th century AD.
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During medieval period, new Gothic style found its beginnings in France. The mid-12th century ambulatory of the abbey of Saint-Denis in France is the earliest complete Gothic structure in the world, which became a model for most of the late 12th-century French cathedrals. Gothic art evolved in Northern France and spread throughout Europe, becoming the universal style from the 13th through the 16th century AD.
During the Renaissance, contact with Italians greatly inspired the French architecture. In the 17th century, France inspired from Italian ideas to create lavish Chateaux. In the beginning, a new architectural style emerged in France, which was a curious blend of Gothic style and Italian decorative elements. Among finest architectural masterpieces of that period include the Chateau d'Amboise, Chateau de Chambord and the grand Chateau de Fontainebleau. In the second and third quarters of the 17th century, the architects in France adapted the Italian baroque style to French needs. In this period was created the finest architectural masterpiece of France- the Palace of Versailles (1669-90). The architecture of France in the 18th century more or less was similar to the 17th century architecture but with more refinement, using classical motifs in a late baroque style. The late 18th century French architecture was affected by Neoclassicism.
During second half of the 18th century a new style based on both classical and baroque architecture emerged in the work of architects trained at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts (School of arts founded in 1648 by Cardinal Mazarin). The construction of Paris Opera (1861-75) turned out to be a role model for modern architecture not only in France but throughout Europe. Towards the end of the century renowned French architect Alexandre Gustave stunned the world by designing and constructing the Eiffel Tower (1889) in Paris. In architecture, France remained at the forefront during the early 20th century. |
France was greatly influenced by innovative approaches of Swiss architect, Le Corbusier, whose modernist approach had a huge influence on French buildings in the 20th century. The Georges Pompidou Art Centre (1977) in Paris is one of the masterpieces of modern architecture in the world.
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