The document discusses the evolution of Renaissance architecture in France, highlighting its import from Italy in the early 16th century. It details the two distinct periods of this architectural style, including notable structures such as the Château d'Amboise and the influence of local traditions. Key characteristics include stone or brick constructions resembling castles, steep pitched roofs, and ornate decorative elements.

1. T H E
A R C H I T E C T U R E
RENAISSANCE
I N F R A N C E
PRESENTED BY
SHAIRA FAITH DAGAYLOAN
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2. The Renaissance Architecture in France

3. Romanesque G o t h i c
Evolution of French Architecture
Renaissance

4. T h e R e n a i s s a n c e i n F r a n c e
French Renaissance Architecture is the style of architecture which was imported to
France from Italy during the early 16 century and developed in the light of local
architectural traditions.
During the early years of the 16th century the Frence were involved in wars in
Northern Italy, bringing back to France not just the Renaissance art treasures as their
war booty, but also stylistic ideas. In the Loire Valley a wave of building was carried and
many Renaissance chateau appeared at this time, the earliest example being the
Chateau d’ Amboise.
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This style of French architecture had two
distinct periods. During the first period,
between about 1491 and 1540, the Italian
style was copied directly, often by Italian
architects and craftsmen. In the second
period, between 1540 and the end of the
Valois dynasty in 1589, French architects
and craftsmen gave the style a more
distinctive and original French character.
Chateau d’ Amboise

5. Characteristics of French
Renaissance Architecture:
Structures, usually made of stone or brick,
look like castles or chateaus and often have
multiple stories. They tend to have very
steep pitched roofs, some of which are
mansard roofs. The roofs are often covered
in slate tiles.

6. Characteristics of French Renaissance Architecture

7. The main building was built in 1453 and
in an unprecedent manner, two square
pavilions were added between 1453
and 1461, anticipating the classical
architecture by several decades.
Château de
Amboise(1491–1498)
Renaissance ornamental
pilaster attached to the
medieval Tour Heurtault
Château de
Bury(1450–1461)
Italian Renaissance
window decoration in
Château de Gaillon
(1502–1509)
Château de
Montsoreau (1450–1461)
The Renaissance Architecture in France

8. Window with a lucarne, raised above
the roof and framed with sculpted
pilasters, characteristic of French
Renaissance style
The original design was more
medieval than Renaissance; only the
pillars and decorated capitals of the
columns on the courtyard, and the
sculpture in light relief, showed the
Italian influence.
The double-spiral
stairway at Chambord
Château de Azay-le-
Rideau(1450–1461)
Château of
Blois(1491–1498)
Château de
Chambord(1519–1538)
The Renaissance Architecture in France

9. The horseshoe stairway was originally
built for Henry II by Philibert Delorme
between 1547 and 1559, then rebuilt
for Louis XIII by Jean Androuet du
Cerceau in about 1640.
The original design was more
medieval than Renaissance; only the
pillars and decorated capitals of the
columns on the courtyard, and the
sculpture in light relief, showed the
Italian influence.
Much polychrome interplay
(brick/stone) and various ornaments
(cabochons, diamonds, masks) evoke
luxury, surprise and abundance,
themes peculiar to Mannerist
architecture
The Renaissance Architecture in France
Château de
Fontainebleau
Château of
Blois(1491–1498)
Hôtel d'Assézat (1555–
1556 and 1560-1562)

10. Château de
Chambord (1519–1538)
Château de
Chenonceau
Years active: late 15th – early 17th centuries
Château de
Azay-le-Rideau (1450–1461)
Lescot wing of the Louvre
(1546–1553)

11. THAT’S ALL!
T H A N K S F O R
L I S T E N I N G
by: DAGAYLOAN, SHAIRA FAITH B.