French Architectural Marvels Inspiring Through Ages

French Architecture has a rich and rather a long architectural history that has been exuberant and flamboyant. It has changed and evolved throughout history but what remains constant is its inspiration. The architectural marvels of the French have been celebrated for years for birthing some of the most famous styles and presenting itself as a role model that has inspired architects from all over the world. One can’t miss the beauty of the fascinating architecture as it never ceases to amaze, so we bring it to you right here!

Roman Age – The Amphitheatre of Nimes

The French architecture was born during the Roman period when the region of Gaul was under the rule of the Roman Empire. That was the onstage of a legacy of ingenious engineers, complex techniques, and simple yet luxurious beauty. One such unraveling and remarkable illustration of perfection by the Romans in architecture is the Amphitheatre of Nimes. This magnificent oval-shaped building with such perfect symmetry has been well preserved over the centuries. During those times, the stones used were from the nearby quarry of Nimes. The Amphitheatre was so designed so that everyone had an unrestricted view of the whole arena.

Romanesque – St. Peter’s in Vienna

After the fall of the Romans, all the Frankish tribes were unified under the reign of Clovis in the 5th Century, the construction of churches and places of worship became paramount. There was a greater emphasis on building churches, monasteries, and places of religion. But since most of the churches of this era were re-built, we learned about the architectural styles of most of them through writings and reconstructions. A very rare surviving example that still stands remarkably is St. Peter’s Church in Vienna, a place of vaulted ceilings and simple tranquility. The Romanesque styles were typically characterized by thick walls and domes that arose from the piers.

Gothic Architecture – Notre Dame

One of the most typical French architectural styles that have stayed even to this day because of its unique and distinct character is the French Gothic Architecture. Right from the 12th century, the French Gothic style took center stage and is usually characterized as a style of masonry building that makes heavy use of cavernous spaces with walls broken up by overlaid tracery. Notre Dame in Paris is one of the most famous and the finest Gothic marvels in the world. To support high walls, the builders invented flying buttresses, also called countertops, that also became the distinguishing structural element of Gothic architecture

Renaissance – Château de Chambord

 

As ever known, the Renaissance left a huge mark almost in every part of Europe. In France, it became the prevalent type of architecture used mostly for designing chateaux typically affiliated with the royals. One of the largest castles built in Renaissance architecture is the Chambord. Chambord was more than just a castle, it is a symbol of the French Renaissance that has captured the imagination of visitors who have been awestruck with its grandeur, timeless beauty, and marvelous architecture. From the grand helix staircase, gardens, and the entire castle at the forefront of technology, it was a revolutionary design and an engineering masterpiece.

Baroque – The Palace of Versailles

When we read about French Baroque architecture, the first image that pops up in our head is of the Palace of Versailles. It was during the reign of three famous similarly named French kings, Louis XIII, XIV, and XV, that the French Baroque style originated and blossomed. It has been significantly characterized by its elaborated and highly ornamented expressions, combining arts to create stunning effects. This was an architecture that spoke of magnificence, power, and opulence. The Palace of Versailles is the most famous chateau in France and one of the most magnificent examples of the French Baroque. With intricate gardens, pressurized fountains, and roots of the famous Versailles pattern in flooring combinations, this palace is celebrated as a symbol of absolutism for years now.  

The 19th Century – Eiffel Tower

During the second half of the 19th century, France entered a new era of architecture. New monumental constructions emerged, made in impressive and tall manners. The streets were lined up with trees and street fronts became unified by stone tiles. It was during this time when France unveiled their latest and yet another marvelous architecture, the Eiffel Tower. It was symbolic of them stepping into the modern world. Paris owes it to this era to be proclaimed as one of the world’s most beautiful cities with the Eiffel Tower at its heart.