Evolution of French Architecture

The Evolution of

FRENCH ARCHITECTURE

The historic cities, towns, communes and departments of France have undergone near-constant transformation over the past 2,000 years. Discover the evolution of French architecture in our interactive timeline.

START

121 BC-5 AD

Roman

The Romans introduced sophisticated architectural techniques to Gaul from 121 BC to 5 AD. Their influence would have a major impact on the architecture of France for generations to come. Typical buildings include:

Nîmes Amphitheatre, ArlesAlyscamps Necropolis, Arles

500-800

Pre-Romanesque and Religious Influence

As Frankish tribes united under Clovis I in the 5th century, churches and monasteries cropped up across France, borrowing from Roman influences. Few buildings remain from this period. Typical buildings:

Saint Peter’s Church, Lyon

800-130

Romanesque

The first unified architectural style in France, Romanesque combined Roman design with increasingly ornate decoration, as well as heavy earthworks designed to withstand a siege. Typical buildings:

Palais des Papes, Avignon Abbey, Cluny

1250-1500

Gothic

Gothic architecture arrived at the height of the Romanesque movement, and is arguably the most prevalent architectural style of the medieval period. With an emphasis on decoration and building height, Gothic structures are as imposing as they are flamboyant. Typical buildings:

Notre-Dame Cathedral, ParisSaint Stephen’s Cathedral, Toulouse

1550-1650

Renaissance

Imported from Italy, Renaissance architecture swept across much of Europe, and had a profound influence on French design. Renaissance was favoured by the aristocracy, hence why so many chateaux were built in this particular style. Typical buildings:

Château de Grignan Château de Tournon

1600-1750

French Baroque

During the reigns of Louis XIII, XIV and XV, Baroque blossomed in France, triggered by a desire to move away from Classicism and Renaissance. French Baroque is characterised by its blend of elegant symmetrical design and exotic interior materials. Typical buildings:

Luxembourg Palace, Paris Palace of Versailles, Paris

1750-1800

Rococo

While Renaissance and Baroque were both imported from Italy, Rococo was decidedly more French – favouring a colourful, ornamental and overly décor-centric approach. The style is associated with Louis XVI. Typical buildings:

Hôtel de Soubise, Paris

1750-1850

Neoclassical

Neoclassical arrived at a similar time to Rococo, and is thought to have been inspired by the discovery of Pompeii in southern Italy, which brought Roman architecture back to the fore. Unlike Rococo, it favoured more sober, traditional design. Typical buildings:

Palais de Louvre, ParisHotel de la Marine, Paris

1889-1920

Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Belle Epoque

The 19th century brought big changes to French architecture, with bold new designs breaking the mould and presenting a new image of a modern France to the world. The Eiffel Tower typified the era, and made a bold statement.Typical buildings:

Eiffel Tower, Paris Métro entranceways, Paris

1920-1980

Modernism

Pioneered by a group of artists, writers and designers in the wake of WWI, Modernism had a profound influence on art, music, writing and architecture in France. One of the founding fathers of the movement was Le Corbusier, whose work can be found across France. Typical buildings:

Villa Savoye, ParisPoissy Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris