french architecture presentation

French Architecture – History of Building Styles in France

The French can be thanked for many reasons, including their culinary prowess, clothing style, wines, and a plethora of important art styles, but let us not overlook their classical French architecture. Several significant events in the history of French architecture have given origin to some of the most recognized French architecture styles and functioned as an example for the majority of the world. In terms of Modern French architecture, a couple of names instantly come to mind: the world-renowned Dominique Perrault and Jean Nouvel. Today we will trace the development of architecture in France, and introduce you to some of the most famous French buildings.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Pre-Romanesque Religious Structures
• 1.2 The Romanesque Period
• 1.3 French Gothic Architecture
• 1.4 Renaissance of the Architecture in France
• 1.5 The French Baroque Period
• 1.6 The Rococo Period of Architecture in France
• 2.1 19th Century French Architecture
• 2.2 Modern French Architecture
• 3.1 Notre-Dame (Paris, France)
• 3.2 Hôtel de Soubise (Paris, France)
• 3.3 Arc de Triomphe (Paris, France)
• 3.4 Palais Garnier (Paris, France)
• 3.5 Castel Béranger (Paris, France)
• 4.1 What Is Unique About French Architecture?
• 4.2 What Is a Maison de Maître?

The History of French Architecture

The recorded history of French architecture dates back to the Roman era when Gaul was governed by the Empire of Rome. Some noteworthy Galo-Roman buildings in France, such as the Amphitheater in Nîmes, Maison Carrée, or Alyscamps in Arles, have thankfully been conserved. Furthermore, the remnants of certain significant historical structures, such as the Pont du Gard aqueduct in Nîmes, may be discovered across France.

All of the traditional aspects of Roman architecture were present here as well, including the introduction and use of concrete, as well as the use of vaults and arches.

Pre-Romanesque Religious Structures

Following the unification of the Frankish clans under the rule of a single monarch, Clovis I, in the 5th century, a stronger focus was put on the construction of religious buildings. Based on the Merovingian church’s beliefs, architecture naturally reacted to these demands and served as a mediator and interpreter between the ordinary and the holy.

Church construction plans during this time period expanded on the Roman basilica style, but they were also affected by other sorts of architectural advances, some of which originated in the East.

Aside from the obvious cultural heritage of the Romans and other areas of influence, it is thought that the French had a few crucial innovations in this pre-Romanesque era that had not previously been seen. The sarcophagus has been elevated to be seen in this position. Regrettably, because most of the main churches were reconstructed after they became aesthetically obsolete, we can only know about the older French architecture styles via archaeological reconstructions and texts.

Saint Peter’s church at Vienne, Lyon, is an uncommon intact church from this period.

The Romanesque Period

The Romanesque style was the first cohesive style to emerge in Europe during the Middle Ages. The word essentially means “formed from Roman,” which is odd considering that it was the first significant thing to emerge after the Romans were defeated. Even if we accept the setting of the 10th century to be the forerunner of Romanesque architecture, pinpointing the precise date and place of its origins is challenging.

There are several instances of structures in France and Northern Italy from the 8th to the 10th centuries that have some Romanesque traits, which is known as Lombard Romanesque or First Romanesque style.

Nevertheless, they were constructed before the style became more well-known and developed, during a time when most Romanesque architecture was inspired by the Abbey of Cluny. Take note that France is connected with this style in any case, making it inextricably linked to the plot.

Early and late Romanesque styles are distinguished by strong walls and columns from which domes sprang, a minimal approach to embellishment and sculpture, and a rhythmic recurrence, both on the façade and in terms of construction. A typical feature is the use of three entrances leading into the nave.

Subsequently, beginning in the early 13th century, the buildings were progressively adorned with pinnacles and tall spires. These characteristics later influenced the recognizable Gothic aesthetic.

French Gothic Architecture

From the mid-12th century through 1500, French Gothic architecture dominated Europe. Even today, it is among the most distinctive French architecture styles, with a distinct character. Interestingly, the name was coined during the Renaissance and was formerly known as Opus Francigenum, which translates to “French labor.”

Early Gothic, High Gothic, and Late Gothic architecture are historically separated into several styles.

As with its predecessor, there are still debates over this strict distinction. The Early era was a direct descendent of Romanesque architecture, using the pointed arch as a design feature and accentuating the elevation of ceilings and walls. To accomplish this, architects coupled arcades with a gallery, a triforium, and a spire, which is the second line of arches put above the original arcade, typically with windows giving light and fresh air. To stabilize the construction, the architects devised flying buttresses, also known as counterforts, which were employed to support the high walls.

This architectural element eventually became one of the most identifiable marks of Gothic architecture, typically considered a piece of artwork or adornment. The high Gothic style continued the early canons, seeking higher building heights while making the construction lighter.

The two primary types of French architecture at the period, Rayonnant and Flamboyant, evolved from High Gothic architecture as well.

However, its builders were more concerned with two-dimensional aesthetic characteristics than architectural difficulties and actual utilization of space. The latter is meant to be the artistic “child” of the former, albeit the precise point of transformation was never specified. During this time, the goal to exhibit a light, yet intricate and towering structure, as well as to experiment with lights, was further explored. Several advances in glassware and window glazing occurred during the Rayonnant era, influencing the future shift in window design.

Renaissance of the Architecture in France

The Renaissance left its impact on practically every region of Europe, or at least the Western portion when it expanded from Italy. It became the most prevalent type of architecture in France, mostly used for the construction of chateaux and mainly connected with the royal family. After its start in the late 15th century, it swiftly developed into French Mannerism.

This French architectural style was best known by the name of Henry II.

This was because he collaborated with Italian designers and painters to build the Palace of Fontainebleau. They also founded the First School of Fontainebleau, one of two institutions that heralded the era of institutionalized artistic creativity in France during the 16th and early 17th centuries.

The French Baroque Period

An era of French Baroque flourished during the reigns of French monarchs Louis XIII through XV. Since it became the embodiment of the open three-wing design with a unique twist, Paris’ Luxembourg Palace was deemed the style icon for all following French baroque projects. Salomon de Brosse’s design was the first to emphasize the entrance, such as the center wing, while making the two side wings look smaller in comparison to the central one. This became a defining feature of the Louis XIII aesthetic.

Other famous French buildings, such as the Palace of Versailles, were built using the same approach by three masters who cooperated to create a cornerstone of classical French architecture.

The notion of the French formal garden, in which geometry and structure take over nature, was adopted for this occasion. It went well with the design, which was inspired by Baroque homes but completed in a more typical French manner.

The Rococo Period of Architecture in France

Whereas the Renaissance and Baroque periods were initially linked with Italy, the Rococo period was born in France. The title is most probably a mash-up of the French terms stone and shell, both of which appear frequently. It bears many features with Late Baroque, with which it is usually synonymous, in terms of a more comic and loose approach to compositional and architectural design.

While the Baroque was typically more frivolous than the strict Renaissance, Rococo took this to its logical conclusion, giving an overtly non-symmetrical, flamboyant, curvy, and overly decorative style.

This Rococo luxury in decoration is sometimes ascribed to the parsimonious governments of Louis XV and Louis XVI, and this is not by coincidence, as they are both tied to it. Nevertheless, Rococo quickly became a worldwide style as it expanded throughout Europe, including Prague, Vienna, and Lisbon.

The Neoclassical Era of French Architecture

Rococo was quickly superseded by Neoclassicism , and while this occurred under Louis XVI’s reign, it may be linked to the tremendous changes that occurred in France at the close of the 18th century. Rococo was attacked by both those who associated it with the monarchy and historians who had little comprehension of the “playful” nature, dismissing it as bad taste (which is not to suggest that this issue should not be explored now).

Then emerged Neoclassicism as a restoration to order.

Several themes were prominent during the period, including the Greek Revival, which endured until the close of the 19th century when it was ultimately considered anti-modern and anti-progressive. It was contemporaneous with Romanticism and the Gothic Revival.

Strangely, the Greek Revival style was never popular among the ordinary people or the government, as though the regulated, rigid architecture just did not suit French tastes.

19th Century French Architecture

During Napoleon III’s reign in the second part of the nineteenth century, Paris was essentially renovated by Baron Haussmann. Many people regard Paris to be the most gorgeous capital on the planet, thanks in large part to the Second Empire era. Many of the older ones were improved, the streets were flanked by rows of trees, and the store facades were linked by stone cream tiles.

During this period, mansard roofing, which is formed like a trapezoid, became popular. This square roof has come to represent French architecture.

But at the other extreme, the 19th century marked the start of a new epoch in architecture worldwide. The Universal Exposition, held in Paris in 1889, was a significant global exposition during which the French presented their latest technical triumph, the Eiffel Tower. This was an emblem of the Belle Epoque, but it was also a method for the Parisians to show that they are keeping up with the contemporary world, right beside the English with their Crystal Palace.

The 1889 Exposition was succeeded by the rise of Art Nouveau , which was briefly adopted by the French before being quickly displaced by Art Deco, just before the outbreak of World War I.

Modern French Architecture

The 20th century was a time of great transformation, and this was true of modern French architecture as well. In the aftermath of WWI, two opposing factions surfaced: the Beaux-Arts heritage and the Modernists, headed by Robert Mallet-Stevens and Le Corbusier.  Both schools lived side by side, even with Le Corbusier’s severe urban plans, which horrified the French people. He never had the opportunity to dismantle half of Paris’ historic heart, but his architectural designs affected the remainder of France, notably the exquisite Villa Savoye in Poissy, the French city’s suburbs.

Even when regarded negatively, Le Corbusier and his contemporaries had a lasting influence.

In history’s post-postmodernist era, we may enjoy Jean Nouvel’s gorgeous design, which has been created all over the world, as well as re-interpret the concept of beauty via all of his unique works. Moreover, the French have generated a few post-structuralists, most notably Jacques Derrida and Gilles Deleuze, who have impacted some of the world’s most notable builders, including Peter Eisenmann.

That is, the French persist to play an essential role in architectural history, although in unexpected ways.

Famous French Buildings

Now that we have explored the history of classical French architecture, as well as the development of modern French architecture, we can move on to examining some of the most famous French buildings. Many of these buildings are located in Paris, the heart of Fench culture. This list includes a few of the most famous French buildings erected over the years.

Notre-Dame (Paris, France)

Since the Middle Ages, Notre-Dame de Paris has served as the city of Paris’ cathedral. It is a Gothic example of a major shift in the Romanesque architectural style, in regards to both naturalistic ornamentation and novel methodologies.

Exterior arched struts, particularly, take on the lateral force of high vaults via a system of flying buttresses and give adequate strength and stiffness to allow the employment of comparatively slim reinforcements in the main arcade.

The cathedral is located on the Île de la Cité, an islet in the center of the Seine River, on the location of the very first Christian church in Paris, the Basilica of Saint-Étienne, and a previous Gallo-Roman monastery which was built in 528. The bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, started building in 1163 under the rule of King Louis VII, and it was completed in 1330.

The spire was built during a refurbishment by Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc in the 1800s, but it was razed to the ground in 2019.

Hôtel de Soubise (Paris, France)

The Hôtel de Soubise was constructed for the prince de Soubise. François de Rohan purchased the Hôtel de Clisson in 1700, and in 1704 the designer Pierre-Alexis Delamair was commissioned to rebuild and redesign the structure. Delamair created the expansive courtyard.

A façade with twin colonnades on the furthest end of the courtyard is crowned by a set of sculptures by Robert Le Lorrain depicting the four seasons.

Delamair was succeeded in 1708 by Germain Boffrand, who completed all of the interior décor for the prince’s son on the ground level and the princess on the piano nobile, both of which included oval salons overlooking the garden. The interiors are regarded as among France’s greatest Rococo ornamental interiors. The wood paneling of the prince’s salon is painted a pale green and topped with plaster reliefs.

The princess’s salon is white with beautiful gilt molding and arched recesses with mirrors, skylights, and paneling.

Arc de Triomphe (Paris, France)

This magnificent example of French architecture is among the largest triumphal arches in the world. After his triumph at Austerlitz, Napoleon I ordered it to be built in 1806 to commemorate all of the French force’s victories. Since then, it has sparked a worldwide military desire for triumphant and nationalistic monuments. The astylar style comprises a basic arch with a vaulted corridor and an attic on top.

The symbology of the monument contains four primary allegorical sculpted reliefs on the four columns.

The Triumph of Napoleon, by Jean-Pierre Cortot, depicts an emperor Napoleon, dressed in a garland and toga, receiving a city’s submission as Fame blasts a trumpet. Antoine Etex created two reliefs: Resistance , which depicts a horse and a nude soldier protecting his family while being guarded by the spirits of the future, and Peace , which depicts a warrior lowering his sword while being guarded by Minerva, the Roman goddess of knowledge.

Palais Garnier (Paris, France)

The Palais Garnier is an opulent and spectacular Neo-Baroque opera theatre from the 19th century. Georges-Eugène, an urban planner, created it as a spectacular showpiece for the thoroughfares he was creating and as a representation of the Second French Empire’s official art.

Charles Garnier designed a magnificent opera theatre in the typical Italian style, with seating for over 2,000 people and a stage for hundreds of artists.

The location was designed for the emperor’s entourage and the aristocratic Belle Epoque audience to promenade, and the loggias, lobbies, stairs, and rotundas take up more space than the theater itself. Charles Garnier oversaw the sumptuous decorating designs, commissioning figurative academic statues and paintings from a variety of sculptors and painters.

Castel Béranger (Paris, France)

Hector Guimard was the founder of French Art Nouveau, and his most apparent legacy is the ornate entrance to the Paris Métro. In the prestigious Auteuil neighborhood of Castel Béranger, he constructed a spectacular Art Nouveau showcase. The structure is a rectangle with irregular windows and a diverse facade of enamel tiles, red brick, and red and white sandstone.

The intricate internal stairway is made of red sandstone and is covered with bespoke rich wallpapers and textiles, as well as a mosaic that has been inventively ornamented with copper and steel.

Hector Guimard followed the ideals of French Art Nouveau, in which ornamentation was an intrinsic part of the structure. He was inspired by notions denying uniformity and symmetry, as were many of his contemporaries. Guimard’s aesthetic language draws inspiration from flora and organic shapes in abstracted two-dimensional patterns. Because of its abundance of swirling chimeric images, it was dubbed the “House of Devils” at its opening. Despite being labeled “seditious” and “demented” by critics, it was voted the most magnificent facade in Paris in 1898.

That concludes our look at French architecture styles through the ages. The architecture of France did not only impact French architects, but the style influenced architecture worldwide. If you ever have the opportunity to visit France, take the time to explore some of the famous French buildings we covered today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is unique about french architecture.

When we hear of French architecture, we immediately think of a few unique types that emerged here. As you might assume, many areas of France have their own distinct architecture, which you’ll come across on occasion. This would include Provence’s Roman/Italian-influenced design and the Normandy residential design, which has houses and structures with visible rafters in a variety of designs and colors, capped by a pitched roof.

What Is a Maison de Maître ?

A maison de maître refers to a master’s home and is often located in a village or town. It’s a mansion with a symmetrical façade; it’s exquisite and reflects the owner’s position, who might be a local squire or a humble landowner. Inside, rooms feature high ceilings and decent proportions, and each level normally has four rooms. There might be two or three levels, as well as attic rooms. Even in the heart of the city, maisons de maître frequently have a huge garden or a small park.

Justin van Huyssteen is a freelance writer, novelist, and academic originally from Cape Town, South Africa. At present, he has a bachelor’s degree in English and literary theory and an honor’s degree in literary theory. He is currently working towards his master’s degree in literary theory with a focus on animal studies, critical theory, and semiotics within literature. As a novelist and freelancer, he often writes under the pen name L.C. Lupus.

Justin’s preferred literary movements include modern and postmodern literature with literary fiction and genre fiction like sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and horror being of particular interest. His academia extends to his interest in prose and narratology. He enjoys analyzing a variety of mediums through a literary lens, such as graphic novels, film, and video games.

Justin is working for artincontext.org as an author and content writer since 2022. He is responsible for all blog posts about architecture, literature and poetry.

Learn more about Justin van Huyssteen and the Art in Context Team .

Cite this Article

Justin, van Huyssteen, “French Architecture – History of Building Styles in France.” Art in Context. July 12, 2022. URL: https://artincontext.org/french-architecture/

van Huyssteen, J. (2022, 12 July). French Architecture – History of Building Styles in France. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/french-architecture/

van Huyssteen, Justin. “French Architecture – History of Building Styles in France.” Art in Context , July 12, 2022. https://artincontext.org/french-architecture/ .

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French Architecture; History, Characteristics and Examples

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French architecture was made of several styles that either originated in France or elsewhere but were developed within France. Although each style had decorative changes, one thing that remained constant in French architecture is the love for romance and symmetry.

Whether you prefer a rustic country farmhouse, grand château, or quaint cottage, French designs always reflect a romantic, attractive ambiance. This article will discuss French architecture history, characteristics and examples. Read on!

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History and Evolution of the French Architecture

The history of French architecture begins in the Roman period when the Roman Empire governed the region of Gaul. The design during this period was roman architecture, and it featured the use of elements such as concrete and the utilization of arches and vaults.

In the 5th century, all the Frankish tribes were united under the reign of one ruler, Clovis I and greater emphasis was put on building monasteries and churches. Based on the Merovingian church beliefs, architecture reacted to these demands. However, besides the cultural heritage of the Romans and other sources of influence, the French also had some crucial innovations in this pre-Romanesque period, for example, the sarcophagus that was elevated to be seen.

Image Source: artincontext.org

In the 10th century, Romanesque architecture became the first cohesive architecture in Europe and developed simultaneously in France before the later influence of the Abbey of Cluny. Romanesque style featured thick walls, rhythmic ornamental arches, and a minimal approach to sculpture.

Evolving from the late Romanesque architecture was French Gothic architecture , which became prevalent in France from the 12th century to the 15th century. It was largely divided into four styles, Early Gothic, High Gothic, Rayonnant, and Late Gothic or Flamboyant style. It was characterized by the use of pointed arches, and the high gothic style sought higher building heights.

Later In the early 16th century, the French were at war in northern Italy. This brought Renaissance art treasures and stylistic ideas to France. The stylistic ideas led to the emergence of renaissance chateaux which became dominant under King Francis I.

Image Source: explorenicecotedazur.com

French Baroque architecture evolved in the 17th century in France after the renaissance style and influenced secular architecture in Europe. This was closely followed by the Rococo period of architecture in France, which developed the decorative arts and interior designs.

The neo-classical era quickly followed the French architecture Rococo, and it included several themes, including the Greek revival, which was considered anti-progressive and anti-modern in the late 18th century. This gave rise to 19th-century French architecture, which was marked by Paris renovation by Baron Haussmann. Mansard roofing, which represents French architecture, became popular during this period.

While the 19th century marked a new epoch in the architectural world, the 20th century was a time of great transformation. This was evident in modern French architecture, where the beaux arts and modernists collided but later found a way to coexist.

Characteristics of French Architecture

1. mansard roof.

This was one of the most used roof types in French architecture. It’s characterized by the two slopes on each side at different angles, with the more prominent lower slope often including dormer windows. It was an ideal solution to gaining space on the top floor, making it a visual element with high functionality.

Image Source: homedit.com

Initially, it was popularized by its use in palaces, such as the Louvre palace and the palace of Versailles. It has since travelled globally, adapting to new cultures and countries.

2. A Tall Hipped Roof

Image Source: houzz.com

Many French architectural style homes featured extremely tall, hipped roofs with all four corners sloping down. French roofs were often tiled with clay barrel-shaped tiles overlapped to create a tiered effect. They normally came in brown, red, or beige colors.

3. Natural Stone Facades

Image Source: lancasteronline.com

French architecture typically had a simple brick or stone façade. Symmetry was key in many French architectural styles; therefore, the façade were usually flat.

4. Tall Windows and Curved Arches

A French architectural style building typically featured tall sash windows and French doors. Ideally, these should lead to fragrant herb and flower gardens. Eyebrow arched windows, as well as arched doors, were also recognizable French architectural characteristics.

Image Source: homelane.com

The tall, rectangular windows not only added to the buildings’ symmetry but also made them appear taller. Windows on the first and second floors were usually perfectly aligned and often adorned with curved arches or wooden shutters.

5. Exposed Architectural Features

To keep up with the natural and relaxed theme, French design balanced impressive luxury with a more informal, rustic feel with exposed architectural features. Exposed wooden beams, stones and bricks were quite common. The wooden beams were not finished or covered in varnish; instead, they preserved a raw and distressed look.

Image Source: infinitywindows.com

Also, the plaster walls were not seamlessly flat; they were applied in choppy layers. Other structures featured overhanging roofs supported by wooden brackets to add interest to a home’s exterior.

6. Natural Materials

Image Source: about-france.com

The use of natural materials was a defining characteristic of many French architectural styles. In addition to the natural stone, roughly stained or painted plaster walls, stone tiles, exposed wood detailing, and hardwood floors were also used in many French-style homes.

7. Neutral and Warm Colors

Image Source: maryannesfrance.com

The exterior color palette of many French-style structures was mostly made up of neutral and natural colors. While the light gray of natural stone and white was very common, some buildings opted for warmer tones like butter yellow, beige, and soft gold. Clay-tiled roofs were often gray or warm brown. Other pops of color in shades like mint green, cobalt blue, and soft ocean tones were normally reserved for decorative shutters and doors.

8. Symmetry

Image Source: theamericanmansion.com

Symmetry is beautiful, simple, and harmonious. Further, it is economical as it uses simple shapes and designs. Symmetry in French architecture was portrayed in the rectangular buildings that were heavily influenced by Chateauesque and Beaux-Arts traditions that originated from Renaissance royal palaces and manor houses. These architectural styles displayed symmetry in central entrances and evenly spaced-out windows, chimneys and dormers, giving them a sense of formality and grandeur.

Other Common Characteristics of French Architecture

• Two stories with high-pitched roof lines
• Round towers or gables
• Large towering chimneys

French Architecture Styles

When we think of French architecture, a few specific, distinctive designs that originated here come to mind. These iconic types of French architecture include;

1. French Gothic Architecture

Gothic French architecture was popular in medieval France, appearing around the 12th to 16th century. This French architectural style featured powerful structures with high-pointed arches, higher stained-glass windows, rib vaults, and flying buttresses. The decoration was very detailed and ornate, with the addition of motifs and gargoyles.

Image Source: archdaily.com 

The iconic Notre Dame Cathedral de Paris is a famous example of this Gothic architecture. However, gothic churches and buildings can be found everywhere in France and other parts of the world. Their design is impressive and spectacular, often dominating the area in which they stand. 

2. French Renaissance Architecture

Classical architecture inspired this French architectural style, which appeared in the late 15th century. French Renaissance style was balanced and just as expressive as its preceding Gothic style. Renaissance architecture combined classical elements like repetitive facades, symmetry and proportion, whimsical rooftops, columns, and classical influence motifs.

Image Source: thespruce.com

Typical Renaissance architecture buildings include many of the castles in the Loire Valley, including the Lescaut Wing of the Louvre and Chateaux de Chambord. They are characterized by relative stasis facades, striking details like pointed turrets, and interesting forms and details on their rooftops.

3. French Baroque Architecture

Evolving out of the Renaissance style, French Baroque architecture was about evoking the grandeur of the France kings. This is why it was in trend during the reigns of France’s most powerful monarchs like Kings Louis XIV and XV.

Image Source: art-facts.com

The baroque architecture used elements of Renaissance architecture, such as classical themes, repetitive facades and columns. Its other features included high domes and mansard roofs, and the buildings were usually opulent and on a more massive scale fit for a king.

French Baroque architecture examples include the famous Grand Trianon of the palace of Versailles, the dome of Les Invalides and the palace de la Bourse in Bordeaux, among others.

4. French Haussmann Architecture

In the 19th century, Georges-Eugene Baron Haussmann, a French official, created a program to modernize Paris buildings and spaces, later referred to as the Haussmannian style. French Haussmann style has become the defining look of Paris today.

Image Source: bbc.com

Haussmann architecture featured stone facades, French double windows, ornamental black wrought iron balconies, usually on the 2nd and 5th floors, and mansard roofs.

Although this Haussmann architecture was mostly associated with Paris, it has influenced buildings in cities throughout France and other places worldwide. The easiest way to recognize a Haussmannian building is by using 2nd and 5th floors balconies.

5. Regional French Architecture

Because of the various styles in French architecture, different regions of France had a specific architecture that you might come across from time to time. Here are the common French regional architectural styles;

I) French Provincial

Predominant features in this more formal French architectural style were symmetry and balance. Structures were built of brick or stone and often coated with stucco, and the roof or eave was made of slate or copper. Chimneys and windows were symmetrical and well-balanced.

Image Source: onekindesign.com

Other defining features were a high, steep, hipped roof, balcony and porch railings, rectangle doors set in arched openings, and French windows adorned with shutters. Second-floor windows normally had a curved top that cuts through the cornice.

ii) French Normandy

French Normandy style borrowed its features from the Normandy region in France, where outbuildings were attached to the main living quarters. It featured houses and buildings with asymmetrical features. Doorways and windows were often surrounded by wooden frameworks instead of brick or stone.

Image Source: vanderhornarchitects.com

The exterior was dominated by large stone fireplaces, and the front entrance was mostly surrounded by a curved structure resembling a turret. Pitched roofs often topped Normandy buildings.

iii) Châteauesque

This style, popular for well-to-do American homeowners in the early 19th century, reflected the look of old castles built for many French nobles and royals. Predominant chateauesque architectural features were arched openings, curved turrets, and massive roof towers, creating a castle-like effect.

Image Source: oldhouses.com

Although this rather flamboyant style is less popular than Provincial or Normandy, it reflects the romantic, authentic style of the original French châteaux scattered throughout the rural countryside.

Examples of French Architecture

1. notre-dame de paris, paris, france.

• Architects: Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus, Pierre de Montreuil, Jean de Chelles, Raymond du Temple, Pierre de Chelles, Jean Ravy, Jean le Bouteiller
• Year Completed: 1345

Notre Dame De Paris is one of the great examples of French architecture, and it is one of France’s famous and most prominent churches. It is a vast stone building with innovative architectural exteriors designed to prevent collapse and balance structural forces. It features large windows, flying buttresses on the facades and crossed vault ribs.

Image Source: planetware.com

The interiors characterize the contributions of Gothic architecture, with its grand size, verticality and light-filled spaces.

2. Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France

• Architects: Louis Le Vau, André Le Nôtre, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, Claude Perrault, Robert de Cotte, Jacques Gabriel, Philibert Le Roy, Frédéric Nepveu
• Year Completed: 1762

The Palace of Versailles, also known as Chateau de Versailles, was originally built as a hunting lodge in 1624. It is a perfect example of the French Baroque style of architecture. The Palace of Versailles features multifaceted designs and extravagant embellishments. It boasts majestic walls and ceilings, boldly ornamented sculptures and entrancingly beautiful portraits in different layouts and shades.

Image Source: travelandleisure.com

The Chateau de Versailles has witnessed several modifications and constant evolution since its initiation in the 17th century. It is also one of France’s most expensive monuments, with billions of dollars spent on its construction and renovation from time to time. The outdoors of the Versailles features the French formal garden that complements the building’s symmetry and elegance.

3. Laon Cathedral, Laon, France

Laon Cathedral is famous for its imposing towers, beautiful Gothic architecture, and its significance as a main stop on the medieval pilgrimage to Santiago in Spain. It is one of the most ornate and well-preserved of the early French gothic cathedrals. It is notable for its stylistic homogeneity despite the different phases of its construction.

Image Source: aleteia.org

Laon cathedral features a cruciform design with the nave, transepts and choir all flanked by one side aisles. It also has stained glass windows from the 13th century, rose windows and a choir screen from the 18th century.

4. Chateau de Chambord, Chambord, France

• Architects: Pierre Nepveu, Domenico da Cortona, Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Michel Ranjard
• Year Completed: 1547

The Château de Chambord is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of its distinctive French Renaissance architecture blending traditional medieval forms with classical Renaissance styles.

Image Source: thegoodlifefrance.com

One of the castle’s highlights is its double helix staircase, which was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. This spiral staircase enables two people to use it simultaneously without crossing paths. Chateau de Chambord is also topped by a sophisticated ensemble of ornate chimneys, lanterns and turrets.

5. Basilica of Saint-Denis, Saint-Denis, France

• Architects: Suger, François Debret, Pierre de Montreuil, Jacques Moulin
• Year Completed: 1280

The Basilica of Saint-Denis is considered the first known example of French Gothic architecture. The Basilica of Saint-Denis is a pilgrimage and houses many royal tombs of French Kings between the 10th and 18th centuries. Abbot Suger, a noted scholar and advisor to King Louis VI and Louis VII, led to the church’s rebuilding.

Image Source: grand-roissy-tourisme.com

The building features flying buttresses, pointed arches, rib vaults, and radiating chapels, making it more spacious, open, and naturally illuminated. It also has rose windows and stained glass for more illumination and decoration.

6. Louvre Museum, Paris, France

• Architect: I.M. Pei
• Year Completed: 1793

The Louvre museum is the world’s largest and most famous museum. It started as a fortress and dungeon before being converted to a royal palace and a museum. These changes took centuries and were completed in 1993.

Image Source: thoughtco.com

It was initially built in Romanesque style as a fortress and was later transformed into French renaissance architecture by architect Pierre Lescost upon the request of King Francis I.

Louvre Museum’s distinctive double-pitched mansard roof inspired many 18th-century buildings in Paris, Europe and the United States. It is also made of cut stone and is a massive complex of wings and pavilions on four main levels.

7. Notre Dame de Reims, Reims, France

• Architects: Jean d’Orbais, Jean-le-Loup, Gaucher of Reims, Bernard de Soissons

Also known as the Reims Cathedral, this church is the most prominent example of a French high gothic architectural style built in the 13th century to replace another church that fire had destroyed. It was the traditional location for the coronation of kings of France.

Image Source: paulmarina.com

Reims cathedral witnessed extensive restoration in the 19th and 20th centuries after World War I. It is also recognized as a UNESCO Heritage site since 1991, receiving about one million visitors annually and has inspired the high gothic designs featured in the Holy Roman Empire rebuild.

8. Palais Garnier, Paris, France

• Architect: Jean-Louis Charles Garnier
• Year Completed: 1875

This is an opulent and outstanding Neo-Baroque opera theatre from the 19th century. Georges-Eugène, an urban planner, designed it as a spectacular showpiece for the passage he was creating and as an official art representation of the Second French Empire.

Image Source: cosmopoliclan.com

The location was designed for the emperor’s entourage and the aristocratic Belle Epoque audience to walk. The lobbies, loggias, stairs, and pavilions take up more space than the theatre itself. Also, Charles Garnier oversaw the lavish decorating designs, commissioning symbolic academic figures and paintings from various painters and sculptors.

9. Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Image Source: parisperfect.com

• Architects: Jean Chalgrin, Louis-Robert Goust, Guillaume-Abel Blouet, Jean-Nicolas Huyot, Jean-Arnaud Raymond
• Year Completed : 1831

Arc de Triomphe is a great example of French architecture and is among the world’s largest triumphal arches. Napoleon, I ordered it to be constructed in 1806 to honor all of the French force’s victories after his triumph at Austerlitz. Since then, it has sparked a worldwide military desire for triumphant and nationalistic monuments. The astylar design features a basic arch with a vaulted corridor topped by an attic.

10. Hôtel de Soubise, Paris, France

• Architect : Pierre-Alexis Delamair
• Year Completed : 1704 (Remodeled)

The building was constructed for the prince of Soubise. François de Rohan purchased the Hôtel de Clisson in 1700, and it was redesigned and rebuilt by Pierre-Alexis in 1704. Delamair designed the extensive courtyard.

Image Source: paris-promeneurs.com

The interiors, including oval salons, are among France’s greatest Rococo ornamental interiors. Prince’s salon wood paneling is painted pale green and topped with plaster reliefs.

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20 Famous French Architects and Their Proud Works

The architectural landscape of France is defined by styles and innovations spearheaded by some of the most influential architects in history. These visionaries have shaped the skylines of French cities and left a lasting impact on global architecture. Jean Nouvel, an architect of profound skill, blends modernist forms with regional architectural heritage. Le Corbusier, a Swiss-French architect, is celebrated for his foundational role in modern architecture. Christian de Portzamparc, a Pritzker Prize laureate, is known for his expressive postmodern architecture. Dominique Perrault gained global recognition for the National Library of France in Paris. Charles Garnier’s 19th-century Palais Garnier opera house in Paris remains an emblem of French arts and design. Henri Labrouste, recognized for his Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève in Paris, pioneered the use of iron and glass in construction. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, known for his restorations, notably of the Notre Dame Cathedral, combined Romantic historicism with modern construction methods. Other notable architects are Claude Perrault, François Mansart, Louis Le Vau, Ange-Jacques Gabriel, Jean Chalgrin, Jacques Lemercier, Philibert de l’Orme, Salomon de Brosse, Jacques Couëlle, Auguste Perret, and Robert Mallet-Stevens. Their legacy continues to inspire contemporary architects and designers worldwide. In France, the average annual salary for an architect is around €60,000 ($65,000, £52,000). Entry-level architects earn about €37,000 ($40,000 or £32,000) annually, with salaries increasing to approximately €46,000 ($50,000 or £40,000) after five years of experience. Paris is the highest-paying city for architects in France, with experienced architects in leading firms earning more than €92,000 ($100,000 or £80,000) per year. Other major cities like Lyon, Marseilles, Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Strasbourg, and Lille also offer above-average salaries, generally 10-15% higher than the national average.

Table of Contents

1. Jean Nouvel

Jean Nouvel is an internationally celebrated French architect, born on August 12, 1945, in Fumel in southwestern France. His parents, Roger and Renée Nouvel were teachers who frequently moved for work before settling in Sarlat when Nouvel was eight. He won a national competition to attend the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he completed his degree in 1972. Early in his career, Nouvel gained crucial experience working under noted architects Claude Parent and Paul Virilio while still a student. He quickly established his firm and, by age 36, had achieved global attention for the groundbreaking Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. Now 78 years old, Nouvel lives in Paris, where he directs one of the largest architecture practices in France, Ateliers Jean Nouvel, with over 140 architects developing projects worldwide.

Jean Nouvel is from Europe, born and raised in France as the nation modernized postwar. His architectural training at the historic École des Beaux-Arts also cemented ties to French culture. Jean Nouvel received his degree in architecture from the venerable École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. As a 20-year-old student in 1965, he won a national competition to attend this prestigious institution, where he studied until graduating in 1972. Nouvel worked under noted Modernist architect Claude Parent and urban theorist Paul Virilio in their firm. These early professional interning travels and various architecture jobs taught Nouvel invaluable practical lessons to complement his Beaux-Arts immersion in theoretical design. Jean Nouvel’s postmodern buildings creatively fuse modernist forms with contextual references to regional architectural heritage and geography. 

The Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) completed in Paris in 1987 was Jean Nouvel’s breakout success that brought him global praise. The small aperture-like screen openings respond to light conditions outside, automatically controlling interior illumination while referencing traditional ornate Arab lattices. Jean Nouvel designed several other significant buildings across France, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Museum, the Philharmonie de Paris concert hall, the Quai Branly Anthropological Museum in Paris, the National Museum of Romanic Art, the Foundation Cartier Contemporary Art Center, the Monolithic Vinexpo hall, and the Photography Foundation in Cannes.

2. Le Corbusier

Le Corbusier, born Charles-Édouard Jeanneret was a Swiss-French architect, urban planner, and writer born on October 6, 1887, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. He spent most of his childhood in the Jura mountains in western Switzerland. In 1917, at age 30, Le Corbusier moved to Paris, where he would live and work for most of his life. He remained based in Paris until his death at age 77 on August 27, 1965, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.

Le Corbusier is from Europe, specifically Switzerland, where he was born and raised until early adulthood when he relocated to Paris, France. Though he later obtained French citizenship in 1930, Le Corbusier’s Swiss origins and upbringing in the Jura mountain region influenced his architectural vision and approach. 

Le Corbusier was primarily self-taught as an architect. He studied decoration and engraving at the La Chaux-de-Fonds art school in Switzerland from age 13 to 18. He then apprenticed under a few architects while traveling Europe in his early 20s but did not receive any formal university training in architecture. Le Corbusier pioneered modern architecture, promoting functionalist, rational designs free of historical precedent. His style epitomized the “International Style,” using modern materials like concrete and glass to create minimal, geometric forms adhering to the mantra that “form follows function.” Key aspects were open floor plans, ribbons of windows, pilotis, and rooftop terraces. 

Le Corbusier’s most celebrated achievement in France is undoubtedly his Unité d’Habitation housing block built in Marseille from 1947-1952. This monumental 12-story building exemplified Le Corbusier’s utopian vision for communal city living. His concept of the “vertical garden city.” Its 337 apartments, interior shopping street, rooftop terrace, and form-follows-function design made it an icon of modern architecture and a new model for mass housing programs worldwide in the post-war period. In addition to the iconic Unité d’Habitation apartment block, some of Le Corbusier’s other seminal works completed in France include the Villa Savoye (1931), an elegant white villa epitomizing his “five points of architecture,” the Chapel Notre-Dame-du-Haut (1955) in Ronchamp with its dramatic, curved concrete forms and use of light, the visual art center Heidi Weber Pavilion (1963), and his monastery of Sainte Marie de La Tourette (1960) near Lyon. The body of work Le Corbusier created in France, from private homes to public housing estates to religious spaces, comprehensively captures his visionary approach and its influence on global architecture.

3. Christian de Portzamparc

Christian de Portzamparc is a leading contemporary French architect and urban planner born May 5, 1944, in Casablanca, Morocco. He grew up in a French Breton noble descent family while his father served in the French army in Morocco. De Portzamparc has spent most of his life living and working in Paris, France, where he established his architectural firm, Atelier Christian de Portzamparc, in 1980. Now 78 years old, he still resides and practices architecture in Paris. Christian de Portzamparc is from Europe, though he was born in Casablanca, Morocco. His family background is of French Breton heritage, and he moved to Paris, France, as a young adult, where he studied architecture and has been based for his prolific career. Christian de Portzamparc received his degree in architecture from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France, where he studied from 1962 to 1969. His early mentors were Eugène Beaudouin, who instilled an expressionist aesthetic, and George Candilis, who focused on functionalist grid-based design. De Portzamparc also spent a year studying abroad in 1966 at Pratt Institute in New York City to expand his architectural education. His formal training at the Beaux-Arts and early professional experience in Paris are vital foundations shaping his distinguished architectural career.

Christian de Portzamparc’s style combines modernism, postmodernism, and classical architectural forms in creative new ways. His buildings feature bold, sculptural shapes, ample interior light, and painted colors integrated with their surroundings. Christian de Portzamparc’s most acclaimed achievement in France is the Cité de la Musique complex of concert halls and music institutes he designed in Paris. Built from 1984 to 1995, with phases opening over time, this musical performance and education campus has been praised as a model case for integrating cultural spaces with the urban fabric. Its elliptical auditorium, lobby, and varied interior rooms make it an icon of de Portzamparc’s expressive postmodern architecture.

Some of Christian de Portzamparc’s other critical buildings in France include the Paris Opera Ballet School (1987) featuring creative dance-focused spaces, the curved Lille Tower (1995) overlooking a train station, the contemporary Maison de l’Arche in Paris (2008), and his many acclaimed urban housing projects like Rue des Hautes-Formes (1979) which improved living spaces and connections to the city. Across civic venues, towers, homes, and more, de Portzamparc’s portfolio comprehensively exhibits his talent for life-enhancing architecture.

4. Dominique Perrault

Dominique Perrault is a prominent contemporary French architect and urban planner born on April 9, 1953, in Clermont-Ferrand, France. After studying architecture in Paris, he established his firm, Dominique Perrault Architecture, in 1981 at age 28. Now 70 years old, Perrault still lives and maintains his main office in Paris. His firm has expanded with satellite offices in Geneva, Madrid, and elsewhere to accommodate his international projects. Dominique Perrault is from Europe, where he completed his architectural training. Dominique Perrault received a degree in architecture from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1978. He further specialized with a postgraduate diploma in Urban Planning from the Ecole des Ponts et Chaussées in 1979 and a Master’s in History from the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in 1980, all in Paris. 

Dominique Perrault’s architectural style combines modernism with creative postwar forms. He uses unorthodox materials like mesh screens and innovatively uses negative space, as seen in his underground campus building in Seoul. Dominique Perrault’s most acclaimed achievement in France is undoubtedly the dramatic National Library of France, constructed in Paris from 1989 to 1995. Its four L-shaped glass towers resembling open books around a sunken garden courtyard have become an icon representing the country’s cultural History entering modernity. As one of late President Mitterand’s “Grands Travaux,” it cemented Perrault’s international reputation.

In addition to the pivotal National French Library, some of Dominique Perrault’s other critical buildings in France include the curving metal-clad Olympic Velodrome and Aquatics Center (1992) in Paris, the media center Bibliothèque-Médiathèque in Venissieux (2002), and numerous cultural facilities like the Grand Theatre de Provence (2021) and the Dobrée Museum (2022) currently under construction. Perrault’s portfolio exhibits his contextual integration of contemporary forms within France’s urban fabric through these civic venues and commercial projects like the Poste du Louver redevelopment.

5. Charles Garnier

Charles Garnier was a prominent 19th-century French architect born on November 6, 1825, in Paris, France. He grew up in a working-class family in Paris before entering the Ecole des Beaux-Arts to study architecture. Garnier spent most of his adulthood living in Paris, where he established a successful architectural practice. He worked prolifically until his death at age 72 on August 3, 1898, in Paris. As a Parisian native born into a humble family, Garnier’s cultural background stems from 19th-century France, which underwent rapid modernization under Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann. His Beaux-Arts architectural education was also grounded in classical French design principles. Charles Garnier received his formal architectural training at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied from 1842-1848. In 1848, Garnier won the prestigious Prix de Rome, which funded further architectural study abroad in Italy, Greece, and elsewhere, exposing him to classical and Renaissance design. 

Charles Garnier worked in a Neo-Baroque and Beaux-Arts architectural style that melded opulent classical forms, elaborate ornamentation, rich materials, and a sense of theatrical space. His buildings exhibit a solid French cultural heritage while ushering in modern structural systems. Garnier seamlessly integrated the latest construction innovations like metal framing and vast skylights into lavish grand interiors symbolic of France’s prominence in 19th-century Europe. Charles Garnier’s most celebrated achievement in France is undoubtedly the magnificent Palais Garnier opera house constructed in Paris from 1860-1875. This iconic cultural venue exhibited Garnier’s ability to blend Neo-Baroque extravagance and modern structural techniques. Its iconic facade and sweepingly grand interiors, including the renowned auditorium, established the Palais Garnier as an emblem of 19th-century French arts and design.

Charles Garnier also completed other significant buildings in France, such as the Casino de Monte-Carlo entertainment complex (1878), the Nice Astronomical Observatory (1886) featuring a novel rotating domed roof, the Hôtel du Cercle de la Librairie building in Paris (1890), and opulent thermal spas in Vittel (1854). Through these varied projects, his architectural legacy helped shape and beautify the landscape of late 19th-century France.

6. Henri Labrouste

Henri Labrouste was a prominent 19th-century French architect who pioneered iron and glass construction. He was born in Paris, France, on May 11, 1801, into a working-class family. Labrouste displayed an early affinity for the arts and entered the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts architecture school in Paris in 1819. He began his professional career in the 1830s after winning the Grand Prix de Rome, which funded extended studies studying architecture in Italy. Labrouste worked for most of his career in Paris, running his own noted architecture workshop and instructing students. He died in Fontainebleau on June 24, 1875, at age 74, leaving behind an influential architectural legacy in France. Henri Labrouste is from Europe and is a native of Paris, where he spent his entire life. He received his formal architectural training at the prestigious École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, which he entered in 1819. His prowess gained him quick promotion to the school’s top first class by 1820. Labrouste won the Grand Prix de Rome prize in 1824, funding further study in Italy until 1830, focusing on archeological architecture.

Henri Labrouste’s buildings exhibited a transitional architectural style that merged Neoclassical ornamentation and spatial grandeur with innovative modern structural systems like exposed iron frameworks. His structures empowered function over form, focusing on airy open interiors enabled by new materials over exterior style. Henri Labrouste’s most celebrated achievement is undoubtedly his design for the luminous reading room of the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève in Paris, which was constructed from 1843 to 1850. Its exposed iron structural columns and arches supporting graceful vaulted bays were widely hailed as architectural innovation. 

Henri Labrouste made other timeless Parisian contributions like the sleek reading room for the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (1860-1875) showcasing nine metal domes over a vast space. He also designed several Parisian hotels along with various funeral monuments around France. Labrouste’s portfolio of elegant Paris buildings, libraries especially, decisively brought architecture into a rational new era. His students and disciples disseminated his functionalist approach abroad, cementing Labrouste’s understated influence.

8. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc

Eugène Viollet-le-Duc was an influential 19th-century French architect and restoration expert born in Paris, France, on January 27, 1814. His family was well-connected with his father, a civil servant, and his mother, hosting a literary salon. Viollet-le-Duc rejected formal architecture education, instead traveling around France analyzing medieval buildings. He embarked on his prolific restoration career in his 20s. In his 30s, he was appointed national Inspector of Diocesan Buildings overseeing France’s architectural heritage. Viollet-le-Duc spent most of his working life in Paris, retiring to Switzerland, where he died in Lausanne at age 65 on September 17, 1879. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc educated himself as a young man by widely traveling across France to document and analyze medieval monuments. He also journeyed through Italy, studying classical Renaissance architecture before determining he preferred France’s Gothic aesthetics. 

Eugène Viollet-le-Duc championed a Gothic Revival style, portraying his view of Gothic architecture through restoration projects and some new buildings. His expressive approach married Romantic era historicism with rationalist modern construction advancements like iron supports. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc’s most celebrated achievement was his planned restoration of the revered Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris from 1845 to 1864. Though still in his 20s when commissioned, Viollet-le-Duc stabilized the nearly ruined Gothic landmark and comprehensively rebuilt deteriorated elements like missing statues, even designing new features like iconic chimeras perched along Notre Dame’s roofline.

Eugène Viollet-le-Duc made contributions restoring numerous key French monuments like Saint-Denis Basilica, Saint-Sernin Basilica in Toulouse, Chateau de Coucy, Chateau de Pierrefonds, and the fortified city of Carcassonne where he added distinct slate conical towers. Through these and other restoration campaigns that often imaginatively enhanced buildings, Viollet-le-Duc left an indelible imprint on France’s architectural landscape while pioneering preservation methodology that is still influential today

9. Jules Hardouin-Mansart

Jules Hardouin-Mansart was a prolific 17th-century French architect who became King Louis XIV’s favored architect. He was born circa April 16, 1646 in Paris. Hardouin-Mansart trained under his great-uncle, the esteemed François Mansart, who adopted part of his surname later in his career. Hardouin-Mansart spent his entire career working in Paris and Versailles for aristocratic patrons and Louis XIV. Overseeing massive projects like expanding the Palace of Versailles, he died at age 62 on May 11, 1708, in Marly-le-Roi, just outside Paris.

Jules Hardouin-Mansart is from Europe, having been born and based his entire career in Paris. He received his training in practice beginning as a teenager under his eminent great-uncle François Mansart, a pioneering French Baroque architect. Hardouin-Mansart gained expertise in contemporary French classical forms through this apprenticeship combined with independent study. 

Jules Hardouin-Mansart represents French Baroque and classical architectural styles that epitomized Louis XIV’s court and influence. Hardouin-Mansart integrated grand Baroque massing, curved forms, elaborate decoration with classical symmetry, orderly facades, and French mansard roofs. Jules Hardouin-Mansart’s career-defining achievement was his overhaul and enormous expansion of the Palace of Versailles as Louis XIV’s trusted First Royal Architect from 1678 until his 1708 death. Hardouin-Mansart built the Hall of Mirrors, the north and south wings, and the royal residences of the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon. He imposed a coherent yet varied French Baroque grandeur upon Versailles, symbolizing Louis XIV’s absolute reign. Even unfinished at his death, Versailles remains Hardouin-Mansart’s most profound legacy.

Jules Hardouin-Mansart also contributed numerous other seminal Parisian buildings like Les Invalides highlighted by its grand golden dome, the Marly Machine for pumping Versailles’ water, the royal area of Place Vendôme, and many aristocratic hôtels particuliers. Hardouin-Mansart also designed fine provincial châteaux like Dampierre, evidencing his architectural range across scales. Though indelibly linked to Versailles, his prodigious French portfolio expanded and enriched the nation’s architectural heritage.

10. Claude Perrault

Claude Perrault was a prominent 17th-century French architect and physician born in Paris on September 25, 1613. Coming from an esteemed Parisian family, his father was a famous lawyer, and his brother Charles wrote the classic fairy tales Cinderella and Puss in Boots. Perrault received his medical degree in 1642 from the University of Paris, becoming a leading anatomist and member of the Académie des Sciences upon its 1666 founding. Remaining active in science and architecture in Paris throughout his career, Perrault died in his hometown on October 9, 1688, at age 75. Claude Perrault received a traditional scholarly education focused on mathematics and science. He earned his medical degree in 1642 from the University of Paris, specializing in anatomy and physics, to become a respected physician-scientist. Perrault was self-taught in architecture, though the Spanish Classicist architectural treatise he translated in 1673 by the ancient Roman Vitruvius inspired his career shift to designing buildings. 

Claude Perrault’s architectural style is French Classicism, integrating grand Baroque massing with archetypal classical design tenets like orderly facades, perfect symmetry, and sequencing of the column orders. Claude Perrault’s most architectural achievement was his sublime Colonnade courtyard façade for the Louvre Palace in Paris, designed in collaboration with Louis Le Vau and Charles Le Brun from 1667-1670. Its paired Corinthian columns convey French royal authority while ushering in a new era of French classicism that departed subtly from traditional Renaissance models. 

Claude Perrault also contributed other significant Parisian buildings, including the Paris Observatory, completed in 1672 with its novel rotating dome, the tentative arcade design of the Place du Trône, and numerous hôtels particuliers for aristocratic patrons like finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Perrault’s French oeuvre emblematizes the emergence of a sophisticated yet accessible national classicism that long defined French architecture for its rational refinement.

11. François Mansart

François Mansart was an eminent 17th-century French architect who pioneered the introduction of classicism into the Baroque architecture of the era. He was born in January 1598 in Paris into a family of artisan builders, his father was a master carpenter, and his uncle was a sculptor. Instead of formal training, Mansart learned architecture by working as a stonemason and sculptor in his youth before apprenticing under court architect Salomon de Brosse. Mansart spent his entire career in Paris, revolutionizing French architectural style. He died in September 1666 at age 68. François Mansart is from Europe and learned architecture through hands-on work experience. As a youth, he picked up sculpting and stonemason skills from relatives before becoming apprenticed to Salomon de Brosse, the eminent architect serving under King Henry IV. 

François Mansart represents the French classical architectural style, integrating grand Baroque massing and details with a proportional clarity and refined restraint inspired by Renaissance classicism. François Mansart’s most seminal achievement was introducing elements of classical architecture to the lavish French Baroque style during the mid-17th century. Through projects like the Château de Maisons, he demonstrated that Mansard roofs, orderly facades, and proportions could subtly temper Baroque excess with grace and refinement. 

François Mansart also contributed other key Parisian buildings that advanced early French classicism, like the demolished Château de Clagny with its sculptural masses, the church of the Feuillants combining religious use with classical vocabulary, and his renovations to the late medieval Château de Blois. Mansart’s French portfolio crystallized a sophisticated architectural idiom that departed subtly from Baroque models to capture the Sun King’s majesty.

12. Louis Le Vau

Louis Le Vau was a prominent 17th-century French architect who helped develop the classical French Baroque style. He was born as Louis Le Veau in 1612 in Paris to a working-class family of builders – his father was a stonemason. Apprenticing under his father, Le Vau spent his entire career in Paris, working his way up from modest architectural jobs to becoming appointed Premier Architecte to King Louis XIV in 1654. Le Vau remained active with major palace projects until his death on October 11, 1670, in Paris at the estimated age of 57 or 58. Louis Le Vau is from Europe. He was born, raised, and based his entire career in Paris, where he completed elegant urban hôtels and monumental royal commissions under Louis XIV to shape the city’s architectural landscape. 

Louis Le Vau received his practical training in construction from his father, a stonemason working around Paris. He also studied some sculpture and stonework before becoming apprenticed in masonry. 

Louis Le Vau pioneered a French Baroque style, blending classical details like orders and symmetry with grand Baroque shapes and volumes. Through works like Vaux-le-Vicomte and the Envelope of Versailles, Le Vau introduced a majestic architectural language speaking to French history with fluid spaces. Louis Le Vau’s career-defining achievement was overseeing the initial expansion of Versailles for Louis XIV, including designing the envelope surrounding the original hunting chateau from 1664 to 1668. Though unfinished in his lifetime, Le Vau’s respectful vision set the structure and style for the final Versailles, nearly doubling its footprint – his east façade and interiors still stand. 

Louis Le Vau contributed to several other seminal Parisian buildings, including the early 1642 Hotel Lambert, the 1660s Collège des Quatre Nations (now Institut de France), his renovations to the Louvre, and his collaboration on Vaux-le-Vicomte which influenced Versailles. Le Vau’s refined residences and sacred spaces portfolio demonstrated creative mastery, adapting French heritage to embody his era’s cultural energy. His legacy remains alive through an architecture that still feels fresh and graceful.

13. Ange-Jacques Gabriel

Ange-Jacques Gabriel was an eminent 18th-century French architect who served as the favored builder of King Louis XV. He was born in Paris on October 23, 1698, into a prominent family of architects. His father was the official Premier Architecte at Versailles under Louis XIV. Gabriel assisted his father from 1735 before taking over the prestigious post in 1742 upon his father’s death. Gabriel spent his entire career in Paris and Versailles, catering to aristocratic patrons and the royal court. Still actively working up through his 80s, he died in Paris on January 4, 1782, at age 83. Ange-Jacques Gabriel is from Europe and learned architecture under the guidance of his father, a prominent court architect, and the eminent designer Robert de Cotte. Assisting his father on royal projects from 1735, Gabriel absorbed the Versailles-centric aesthetic by first-hand observation and collaboration on palace renovations. 

Ange-Jacques Gabriel pioneered a French Neoclassical style, integrating the scale and details of Baroque and Rococo with classical order and harmony. Ange-Jacques Gabriel’s most illustrious achievement was his complete overhaul of the Palace of Versailles as King Louis XV’s favored First Architect during the 1740s-1770s. Though working within existing frameworks, Gabriel effectively created a cohesive whole – his Façade de Cour, Royal Opera, and Petit Trianon interiors still primarily stand. Ange-Jacques Gabriel also contributed other seminal Parisian buildings like the Place de la Concorde, the domed Ecole Militaire, his Pavillon de Manse country retreat, and stately urban hôtels like the Hôtel de la Marine. 

14. Jean Chalgrin

Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin was a prominent late 18th/early 19th-century French Neoclassical architect best known for designing the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. He was born in 1739 in Paris. Chalgrin trained under known architects Étienne-Louis Boullée and Giovanni Niccolò Servandoni before winning the prestigious Prix de Rome scholarship to study in Italy in 1758 at age 19. Returning to Paris, he began his prolific architectural career producing refined urban hôtels and civic structures. Chalgrin remained actively working until his 1811 death in Paris at age 72, just after starting the iconic Arc de Triomphe project.

Jean Chalgrin is from Europe and learned architecture by training under the eminent Neoclassical architects Étienne-Louis Boullée and Giovanni Niccolò Servandoni in Paris as a youth and winning the prestigious Prix de Rome prize in 1758, enabled Chalgrin to study classical architecture directly in Italy for an extended period. 

Jean Chalgrin represents the French Neoclassical style, integrating reserved neoclassical clarity and poise with Baroque scale and sensibility. Projects like the Basilica of St. Philippe du Roule, Chalgrin introduced an architectural language speaking to French heritage while departing from more ornate modes. Jean Chalgrin’s most iconic achievement was conceiving the design of the Arc de Triomphe war memorial in Paris, crafted to honor Napoleon’s martial victories. Unfinished when Chalgrin died in 1811, his massive triumphal arch project was completed in 1836 and endures as France’s most recognizable architectural landmark. 

Jean Chalgrin also contributed other seminal Parisian buildings like the neoclassical Basilica of St. Philippe du Roule, his restrained Pavillon de Musique at Versailles, and his stately renovations to the Palais du Luxembourg. Chalgrin’s portfolio was not extensive, his refined residences and sacred spaces encapsulate the graceful poise of pre-Revolutionary French nobility.

15. Jacques Lemercier

Jacques Lemercier was an influential early 17th-century French architect and engineer who helped develop the classical French Baroque style. He was born circa 1585 in Pontoise, France. Instead of formal training, Lemercier learned architecture through practical building work, as his family members were master stonemasons and sculptors. He briefly refined his technical drawing skills in Rome in his early 20s. Lemercier began his prolific career in Paris in 1616, becoming a royal architect in 1618. Remaining active with significant religious and palace projects, he died in Paris on January 13, 1654, at age 69. Jacques Lemercier is from Europe, having been born and based his entire career in Paris, where he designed refined urban hôtels and monumental royal buildings. Lemercier pioneered an architectural vision departing from Italianate models to craft a new national French style.

Jacques Lemercier pioneered a refined French Baroque/early classical style, integrating sweeping Baroque massing and details with harmonic proportions and Gallic restraint. In projects like the Luxembourg Palace, Lemercier introduced a fluid architectural language speaking to French history while departing from effusive Italian models. Jacques Lemercier’s most resounding achievement was overseeing the mid-17th century expansion of the royal Louvre Palace as appointed head royal architect. Lemercier crucially shaped an eminent symbol of French classical architectural expression through this building project seminal in molding central Paris.

Jacques Lemercier also contributed other seminal Parisian structures like the noble Palais-Cardinal, the ensemble of Richelieu’s model town, and his famed church at the Sorbonne featuring one of Paris’s first great domes. Lemercier’s portfolio of refined palaces and sacred spaces encapsulate the sophisticated poise of early 17th-century French classicism then emerging. His legacy established an influential harmony between Baroque drama and rational order that still stands today.

16. Philibert de l’Orme

Philibert de l’Orme was an influential 16th-century French Renaissance architect and writer who pioneered a distinctly French classical style. He was born between 1510 and 1515 in Lyon, France. Instead of formal training, de l’Orme learned architecture through working with his father, a master mason. He furthered his classical education by studying ancient Roman ruins in Italy in his early 20s. De l’Orme began his prolific career in Paris in the 1540s, becoming a royal architect under King Henri II. Remaining active with aristocratic palace projects, he died in Paris on January 8, 1570, at age 60.

Philibert de l’Orme pioneered a French Renaissance style integrating classical forms and details with Gallic restraint. De l’Orme’s creative vision tempered grandeur with intimacy, using scale and proportion to achieve sophistication. Philibert de l’Orme’s most resounding achievement was introducing elements of an archetypal classical style to 16th-century French architecture through his designs for noble patrons like the nobility. Built in the 1550s, his Anet Château for Diane de Poitiers demonstrated that French customs like mansard roofs and orderly facades could integrate with ancient proportions and native construction with dignity. 

Philibert de l’Orme also contributed to other seminal French country houses for aristocracy, like the demolished Saint-Maur Château and Chenonceau Château. He made Parisian additions to landmarks like the Tuileries Palace and Saint Denis Basilica. Though many altered over time, de l’Orme’s portfolio of refined palaces and sacred spaces encapsulate the emergence of French classicism’s potential for graceful grandeur in the mid-16th century. His legacy demonstrated the universal outlook possible through cultural synergy.

17. Salomon de Brosse

Salomon de Brosse was an influential early 17th-century French architect who pioneered a transitional style from Mannerism to emergent French Classicism. He was born circa 1571 in Verneuil-sur-Oise, France, into a prominent family of Protestant architects. Establishing his own Paris firm in the 1590s, de Brosse remained actively working on aristocratic palace projects until his 1626 death in Paris at about age 55. Salomon de Brosse is from Europe, having been born just north of Paris before establishing himself in the capital, where he designed refined châteaux and monumental civic buildings. Salomon de Brosse learned architecture and design by training under his father and grandfather, who were distinguished architects around Paris. 

Salomon de Brosse pioneered a transitional style blending late French Mannerism with budding local classicism, integrating fluid asymmetries with harmonic proportions and archetypal French elements like brick facades and mansard roofs. Salomon de Brosse’s most resounding achievement was introducing hugely influential elements of primordial French classicism into early 17th-century architecture through his early châteaux. Built from 1613-1619, his demolished Château de Blérancourt demonstrated that harmonious proportions and restrained facades could project aristocratic power and resonate with emerging interest in archaeological forms. De Brosse effectively showed that the French, emerging from civil wars.

Salomon de Brosse also contributed other seminal Parisian buildings that assured the shift away from Mannerism, like the Luxembourg Palace, the Brittany Parliament Building, and Saint-Gervais Church with its novel vertically integrated classical orders. Though essentially altered, de Brosse’s portfolio of refined early 17th-century buildings encapsulates the birth of French classicism’s potential for simplicity yet elegance and taste.

18. Jacques Couelle

Jacques Couëlle was an unconventional 20th-century French architect known for his distinctive organic “architecture-sculpture” style. He was born in 1902 in an unspecified French location. He founded his firm in 1946 to pursue idiosyncratic projects. Couëlle worked well into the 1990s before passing away in 1996 at age 94, having spent his lengthy career on the Côte d’Azur in southeastern France. Jacques Couëlle spent most of his career along the French Riviera, specifically the Côte d’Azur region. Instead of formal architectural schooling, Jacques Couëlle was self-taught, driven by curiosity to educate himself. He undertook exploratory trips studying medieval buildings and natural landscapes, becoming fascinated by Romanesque stonework and organic forms. 

He uses rough masonry and curved concrete to evoke caves, rock shelters, or hives fitting sites organically. Jacques Couëlle’s most iconic achievement was conceiving the visionary design for his Castellaras estate, constructed in the 1960s along the Côte d’Azur in southeastern France. Its five whitewashed houses appear fused with the coastal landscape due to the architect’s creative shaping of fluidly curving facades, rotated windows, and cave-like interiors to the sloped site. Jacques Couëlle contributed other radical South of France works like his 1920s Bastide Saint-François and earlier Domaine de Beaumont, a private villa fused with a 1920s castle. He also designed the Hotel Cala di Volpe in Sardinia, Italy. Couëlle’s portfolio of influential organic French buildings and structures popularized a dynamic, evocative mode of place-driven architecture through the later 20th century.

19. Auguste Perret

Auguste Perret was an influential 20th-century French architect and pioneer in using reinforced concrete construction for modern buildings. He was born on February 12, 1874, in Ixelles, Belgium, where his French family had temporarily relocated. Perret received his early architectural education by working in his father’s Parisian construction firm, specializing in concrete. He established his iconic practice in Paris in 1905. Remaining actively contributing to significant projects across France, Perret died in Paris on February 25, 1954, at age 80, after serving as the foremost leader of European modernism.

Auguste Perret spent his formative years and professional career in Paris, where he produced elegant private homes and civic structures that departed from Beaux-Arts classicism through exposed concrete exteriors. Auguste Perret studied architecture at the esteemed École des Beaux-Arts in Paris but departed before completing his degree. 

Auguste Perret pioneered restrained modernism using reinforced concrete to reinvent classical architectural elements like column orders and curved vaults with a sleek yet romantic structural expressionism. Auguste Perret’s most resounding achievement was undoubtedly directing the reconstruction of the center of Le Havre from 1945 to 1964, two decades after the Allied bombing left over 80,000 French citizens homeless. Perret conceived a hopeful vision using modernist towers, public buildings, infrastructure, and open spaces to convey war-ravaged France, boldly moving into the second half of the 20th century with technology, culture, and resilience leading the way.

Auguste Perret also contributed other seminal structures exemplifying modernism’s potential, like his early 25 Rue Franklin apartments and Garage Ponthieu in Paris, and masterpieces like his lyrical Raincy Church and elegant Mobilier National building. His portfolio encapsulates modern architecture, balancing heritage with disruptive materials and methods in search of essence and aesthetic enrichment.

20. Robert Mallet-Stevens

Robert Mallet-Stevens was an influential early 20th-century French modernist architect known for his sleek Art Deco buildings. He was born in Paris on March 24, 1886, into a prominent family of art collectors and painters. Mallet-Stevens received formal training at the Special School of Architecture in Paris, where he was exposed to progressive ideas. He established his practice in Paris after World War I, becoming associated with avant-garde artists. Remaining actively working until his 1945 death in Paris at age 58, Mallet-Stevens significantly contributed to European interwar modernism. Robert Mallet-Stevens spent his entire career in Paris, producing elegant private villas and pavilions fused with Cubism, Art Deco, and other contemporary styles to subtly depart from Beaux-Arts architecture through clean lines and abstract geometric forms.

Robert Mallet-Stevens pioneered a sleek French modernism integrating contemporary influences like Cubism, De Stijl, and avant-garde aesthetics with classical forms. His architecture introduced a machine-age aesthetic celebrating technology, efficiency, and disruptive new materials through stripped-down buildings endowed with sculptural presence and intrigue. Robert Mallet-Stevens’ most resounding achievement was conceiving and constructing the radical Villa Noailles in Hyères from 1923-1925 for avant-garde art patrons Charles and Marie-Laure de Noailles. 

Robert Mallet-Stevens also contributed other seminal 1920s Parisian buildings blending contemporary elegance with hospitality and mobility, notably his 1926-1927 garage and showrooms for Citroën autos and his clean-lined modernistic 1923-1924 Gaumont Film Company building. Mallet-Stevens’ portfolio of sleek French villas and commercial buildings encapsulates European modernism’s machine-age promise of culture, speed, and luxury entering a glistening new era.

Who are the best French architects in modern times?

Below is the list of the five best modern French architects:

• Jean Nouvel: Jean Nouvel is one of France’s most famous modern architects. Nouvel has designed iconic modern buildings across the globe, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Philharmonie de Paris concert hall, and the 100 Eleventh Avenue luxury residential tower in New York. Nouvel is admired for his contextual approach tailored to the location and culture of each project. In 2008, he became the second French architect to receive the prestigious Pritzker Prize for his exceptional creative output advancing the field.
• Dominique Perrault: Dominique Perrault is a leading modern French architect recognized for his visually public buildings. His notable projects include the French National Library in Paris with its distinctive four glass towers, and the Velodrome and Olympic swimming pool in Berlin constructed for the 1992 Summer Olympics. Perrault has also designed iconic cultural venues like the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia. His pioneering vision has greatly influenced modern architecture.
• Christian de Portzamparc: Christian de Portzamparc was the first French architect to receive the Pritzker Prize in 1994. He is the creative mind behind the iconic LVMH Tower in New York and the City of Music complex in Paris. De Portzamparc’s buildings are known for their original, unconventional forms often integrating curves and vibrant colors. De Portzamparc also forges strong collaborations with artists, engineers, and clients in realizing his projects. His pioneering urban designs have enhanced major cities while respecting local cultures.
• Anne Lacaton: Anne Lacaton is a French architect who has transformed social housing in France through sustainable, affordable design focused on residents’ well-being. Together with her partner Jean-Philippe Vassal, their architecture firm Lacaton & Vassal has gained international acclaim for innovative revamps of dilapidated public housing estates as well as museums and cultural venues. Lacaton believes good architecture should be available to all social classes. Her humanistic approach has set new standards in social housing.
• Manuelle Gautrand: Manuelle Gautrand is one of France’s leading women architects celebrated for her elegant, graceful buildings integrating curves. Gautrand founded her own firm in Lyon in 1991 which has now completed over 30 cutting-edge projects. Her style combines modernism with imagination seen in buildings like the C42 Citroën Showroom with its double-helix shape. As head of France’s Architecture Academy and recipient of top honors like the French Architecture Grand Prize, she serves as an inspiration to young architects.

Who are the best French architects with the biggest influence on Modern Architecture? 

Here is the list of the best French architects with the biggest influence on Modern Architecture:

• Le Corbusier: Le Corbusier was one of the most influential French architects of the 20th century and a pioneer of modern architecture. His ideas on architecture and urban planning fundamentally shaped the modern built environment. He developed the “Five Points of Architecture” manifesto that defined modern architectural style, Pioneered the use of reinforced concrete, open floor plans, and functional “machines for living”, designed iconic buildings like Villa Savoye and Unité d’Habitation, Planned the city of Chandigarh in India, Created widely influential books, paintings and furniture designs, including the LC2 chair.
• Jean Nouvel: Jean Nouvel is one of France’s leading contemporary architects. His bold, innovative designs have earned him great acclaim and numerous honors, including the Pritzker Prize in 2008. He pioneered the use of complex geometries, unconventional forms, and materials like metal, glass, and computer-based design, Redefining architectural styles by merging modernism with contextual and historical elements, and designing iconic cultural landmarks like the Arab World Institute and the Guthrie Theater.
• Dominique Perrault: Dominique Perrault is one of the leading French architects of his generation. His bold, conceptual designs employ advanced technologies and sophisticated geometries to create iconic landmarks. Major works include the French National Library (1995) in Paris, considered his magnum opus, Olympic Velodrome and Swimming Pool (2012), key venues for the 2012 London Olympics, DC Towers (2014) in Vienna, Ewha Womans University (2008) in Seoul.
• Auguste Perret: Auguste Perret was a pioneer of modern French architecture and a leading figure in the development of reinforced concrete construction. One of the first to see concrete’s aesthetic potential rather than just its structural uses, opened the door for modernist architecture by proving concrete could be used to build non-traditional forms, and helped rebuild many buildings after WWII.
• Jean Prouvé: Jean Prouvé was an innovative French architect and designer who pioneered prefabrication technology and metal construction systems. He developed efficient prefab construction techniques combining metal and glass, creating versatile modular building components adaptable for houses, schools, offices, etc, Influencing many postwar reconstruction projects in France through producible designs.
• Fernand Pouillon: Fernand Pouillon was a French architect celebrated for his skillful use of traditional Mediterranean materials and techniques to create a regional modernist style. He blended modernism with local French building styles, especially from Provence, favored natural materials like stone and clay tiles, harmonized buildings with landscape, and pioneered the “architectural village” concept grouping homes for community living.

What are the most famous architectural wonders in France?

The most famous architectural wonders in France are the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Palace of Versailles, and Carcassonne. Firstly, the Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair, the tall wrought iron lattice tower was the world’s tallest man-made structure for over 40 years. Visitors can ascend the tower via stairs or elevator for spectacular city views, dine in its restaurants, or admire its light shows. Secondly, the Palace of Versailles outside Paris exemplifies the opulence of French classical architecture. It was built in the 17th century for Louis XIV – the ‘Sun King’ – as a royal residence and seat of government, the Baroque château features halls like the Hall of Mirrors, resplendent formal gardens, and over 2,000 rooms filled with art and antiques. Lastly, the medieval fortified city of Carcassonne in southern France is a fairytale-like architectural wonder. Its well-preserved double ring of defensive walls, watchtowers, and drawbridges transports visitors back to the Middle Ages. Restored in the 19th century and made a UNESCO site, this completely walled city is the largest medieval complex in Europe. 

What are the most known architectural firms in France?

There are three famous architectural firms in France. Firstly, Ateliers Jean Nouvel is considered one of France’s leading architectural firms. Founded in 1994 by Pritzker Prize winner Jean Nouvel, it has around 120 architects working on projects across the world. Some of its most famous buildings include the Arab World Institute and the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. Secondly, Renzo Piano Building Workshop is an acclaimed international firm with several major projects in France. Founded by Pritzker laureate Renzo Piano, its notable French buildings include the cultural complex La Villette in Paris and the new Palais de Justice towers in the city. The firm is known for creating lightweight, ecologically sustainable structures using modern technologies and materials. Lastly, Dominique Perrault Architecture is a leading French firm recognized for its avant-garde, high-tech designs. Established in 1981 by architect Dominique Perrault, its landmark buildings include the French National Library and the Olympic Velodrome and Aquatics Center. Perrault’s conceptual style is distinguished by monumental geometries, spaces, and advanced computer modeling. The firm has an international portfolio spanning museums, universities, sports facilities, and transportation hubs. 

What is the architecture body in France?

Here is a list of major architectural bodies in France:

• The Architects of the Buildings of France: The Architects of the Buildings of France (Architectes des Bâtiments de France, ABF) is a corps of government architects, established in 1946 under the authority of the Ministry of Culture. Their main mission is to preserve and maintain historical monuments and heritage sites across France. They operate under the Departmental Units of Architecture and Heritage (UDAP), regional services decentralized from the Ministry. There are currently around 400 ABF architects located across France. They advise on any changes to protected areas and buildings, assessing architectural projects for their impact on heritage. This gives them significant influence over development in historical areas. Their dual role is to be both defenders of heritage and important actors in regional development.
• The Chief Architects of Historical Monuments: The Chief Architects of Historical Monuments (Architectes en Chef des Monuments Historiques) is an elite group of about one hundred architects specializing in the restoration and conservation of classified historical monuments in France. They have existed since the creation of the Commission on Historical Monuments in 1837, gaining their current name in 1993. Chief Architects lead complex, large-scale restoration projects on major national monuments. Their expertise covers medieval cathedrals, châteaux, abbeys, and other protected buildings spanning many eras.
• The Regional Directorates of Cultural Affairs: The Regional Directorates of Cultural Affairs (Directions régionales des affaires culturelles, DRAC) are decentralized departments of France’s Ministry of Culture spanning each administrative region. Among their responsibilities in overseeing cultural policy is managing architectural heritage protection and restoration at the regional level. The various Departmental Units of Architecture and Heritage (UDAP) work under the DRACs administratively to conduct preservation efforts in each département. DRACs analyze their region’s specific needs regarding heritage sites and propose areas for classification to the Ministry. They then provide technical and financial support to UDAP’s architects implementing restoration and rehabilitation projects locally. 
• The National Association of Architects of the Buildings of France: The National Association of Architects of the Buildings of France (Association Nationale des Architectes des Bâtiments de France, ANABF) is a professional body representing the architects working in the government ABF corps. Founded in 1962, ANABF promotes ABF architects’ missions around safeguarding heritage, architectural quality, and landscape preservation. ANABF provides a forum to share best practices between ABF architects nationwide. It conducts training activities, helps frame doctrine-defining ABFs’ restoration approaches, and advises the Ministry on policy areas related to their work. ANABF also communicates with external stakeholders to improve understanding of ABF architects’ complex balancing role between preservation and development. 
• The National Heritage Institute: The National Heritage Institute (Institut National du Patrimoine) is an institution under the auspices of France’s Ministry of Culture and Communication. This includes specialized training for curators, archivists, librarians, and other experts working with built heritage sites. Among the programs offered are intensive courses preparing students for the examination to become Architects of Historic Monuments. Training focuses on conservation science, best practices in restoration methods, and French heritage laws and regulations. The Institute has partnerships with architecture schools and workshops to provide practical apprenticeships working on conservation sites.

What is the most popular architectural style in France?

The most popular and iconic architectural style in France is Gothic architecture. This style emerged in northern France in the 12th century and dominated buildings across Europe until the 16th century. The Gothic style originated from the region around Paris before spreading to other parts of France and beyond. Significant French Gothic buildings include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Chartres Cathedral, Reims Cathedral, and Sainte-Chapelle in Paris. These ornate cathedrals, with their intricate stonework and stained glass rose windows, have come to symbolize French cultural heritage. French architects revived medieval forms and details in the Neo-Gothic movement, seen in buildings like the Paris Opera. 

What are the most used house-building materials in France?

The most used house-building materials in France are concrete, wood, and bricks. Firstly, all new houses built in France today use concrete blocks, which are hollowed out and filled with poured concrete and steel reinforcement rods. This points to concrete being the predominant material used. Secondly, wood is highlighted as an increasingly popular material, especially for single houses rather than apartment buildings. Around 14,000 wooden houses are built per year. Wood is seen as a renewable, sustainable option that also provides better insulation. Lastly, bricks were traditionally used along with stone, especially red bricks where local clay deposits existed. Other materials like stone, sand, tiles, and glass are also mentioned but concrete, wood, and bricks seem to be the most popular based on current French house construction practices. 

Do building materials affect the payment of an architect?

Yes, the building materials an architect specifies can sometimes affect their payment, but there are other factors besides this. Most residential architects charge fees based on a percentage of total construction costs. More expensive materials like premium finishes will raise the overall budget and the architect’s percentage fee. However, an architect’s compensation is primarily determined by the size and complexity of the home design rather than the material cost. Their fee reflects overall services like producing drawings, submitting permits and constructing administration. An architect may try to steer clients toward higher-end materials that raise their percentage fee, but ethical architects act in the client’s best interest regardless of the materials selected. Material costs are a more prominent factor for contractors who earn profit 

How much is the salary of an architect in France?

The average salary for an architect in France is around $65,000 (€60,000, £52,000) per year. A junior architect just starting out can expect to earn around $40,000 (€37,000, £32,000) per year. This salary tends to be on the lower end as young architects gain initial experience. After about 5 years, salaries typically rise to around $50,000 (€46,000, £40,000) for architects with a moderate level of experience. Once an architect reaches 10-15 years of experience and moves into more of a senior or management role, salaries increase to an average of $75,000 (€69,000, £60,000). The highest-paid architects are often partners at prestigious firms in major cities like Paris, who can earn well over $100,000 (€92,000, £80,000).

What French regions have the highest salaries in France?

The highest-paying city for architects in France is Paris. Top architects working at leading firms in Paris can make well over $100,000 (€92,000, £80,000) per year once they reach senior levels, with some managing partners and executives earning even more. Other major metropolitan areas also offer higher than average salaries in the $65,000 (€60,000, £52,000) range. Cities like Lyon, Marseilles, Toulouse, Nice, Nantes, Strasbourg, and Lille tend to pay architects about 10-15% more than the national average. There is a strong development in these regional hubs and a healthy mix of commercial and residential building projects to fuel demand. Smaller provincial cities and rural areas have a harder time matching the salaries available in Paris and other major metros. Cities like Rennes, Bordeaux, Montpellier, and Grenoble often pay 10-20% less for similar architect roles. There is less large-scale development happening outside of France’s biggest cities. Architectural firms tend to be smaller with tighter budgets for talent. Architects may earn around $50,000 (€46,000, £40,000) working in these smaller cities compared to $65,000-$75,000 (€60,000-€69,000, £52,000-£60,000) in bigger city centers.

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French Architecture By: Gabriel Jarman.

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Evolution of French Architecture

We can praise the French for a variety of reasons, including their food, fashion, wine, art, artists, and a plethora of important art movements , but we must not overlook their spectacular architecture. Throughout history, French architecture has served as a model for the rest of the world, giving rise to some of the most well-known architectural styles . In terms of the most recent time, a few world-renowned architects, such as Jean Nouvel and Dominique Perrault, are immediately identified with France. Even Le Corbusier, the father of modernism, is a Frenchman in heart, despite being born in northwestern Switzerland . Let us investigate how French architecture has evolved throughout time.

Romans | French Architecture

The history of French architecture began with the Roman period when the Roman Empire ruled over the province of Gaul. Some noteworthy Galo-Roman designs in France, such as Maison Carree and Amphitheater in Nimes, The Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière in Lyon, or Alyscamps in Arles, one of the most famous necropolises from the ancient period, have thankfully been preserved. Furthermore, the ruins of some important old infrastructure may be found across France, such as the Pont du Gard aqueduct in Nimes and the Barbegal mill near Arles. The introduction and deployment of concrete, as well as the use of arches and vaults, were all hallmark features of Roman architecture.

Romanesque Architecture

The Romanesque style was Europe’s first unified style to emerge in the Middle Ages. In fact, the name literally means “descended from Roman,” which is ironic given that it was the first great item to arise after the Romans fell. Even if we consider the 10th century to be the predecessor of Romanesque architecture, determining the exact date and location of its beginnings is difficult. There are several instances of First Romanesque or Lombard Romanesque structures in northern Italy and France dating from the 8th to the 10th century.

Both the early and late Romanesque styles are distinguished by thick walls and piers from which the domes arose, a reductive approach to decoration and sculpture , and rhythmic repetition, both on the facade through identical windows and arches and in terms of structure arches that comprise the nave. The use of three portals leading into the nave is a common design element. Later, beginning in the early 13th century, the structures were further embellished with pinnacles and lengthy spires. These characteristics influenced the eventual development of the identifiable Gothic style.

Gothic Architecture | French Architecture

French Gothic architecture was prominent in Europe from the mid-12th century until 1500. Even now, it is one of the most common architectural types in France, having a particular personality. Surprisingly, the word was originally Opus Francigenum , which means “French labour,” and was coined during the Renaissance. Early Gothic, High Gothic, Rayonnant, and Late or Flamboyant Gothic architecture have traditionally been separated into distinct styles. There are still disagreements about this stringent segregation, as there were about its predecessor. 

Early Gothic

With the introduction of the pointed arch as a feature and an emphasis on the height of the walls and ceiling, the Early One was a direct successor to Romanesque architecture. Arcades were coupled with a gallery, a triforium, and a clerestory , which was the second line of arches added above the original arcade, generally with windows providing light and/or fresh air. The builders devised flying buttresses to support the lofty walls and make the construction more solid. As it turned out, this structural feature became one of Gothic architecture’s most recognizable symbols and was frequently regarded as a work of art or ornament . A six-ribbed, sexpartite vault was another notable development, which was ultimately supplanted by the four-ribbed vault.

High Gothic

Following the original canons, the High Gothic style aspired to attain larger building heights while also attempting to make the construction lighter. This is one of the reasons why a four-part wall was reduced to three pieces, and the gallery was subsequently removed. As a result, clerestory developed from a single window in each segment to a pair of windows connected in the middle by a rose window. Rayonnant and Flamboyant , two additional forms of French architecture of the time, are also derived from High Gothic architecture, but their creators were more concerned with the two-dimensional, ornamental qualities than the structural aspects and real use of space. Although the exact point of transition was never made apparent, the latter is considered to be the stylistic “child” of the former.

Renaissance of French Architecture

The Renaissance left an indelible effect on practically every region of Europe , or at the very least the Western portion, as it began expanding from Italy. It became the most common kind of architecture in France, employed mostly for the creation of chateaux and associated with the royals. It was quickly changed into French Mannerism after its introduction in the late 15th century. Henry II, who collaborated with Italian architects and painters to create the Palace of Fontainebleau, is credited with popularising this style of French architecture. They also established the First School of Fontainebleau, one of two schools that defined the age of taught creative creation in France throughout the 16th and early 17th centuries.

The French Baroque

An era of French Baroque flourished under the reigns of three renowned French monarchs with identical names: Louis XIII, XIV, and XV. The Luxembourg Palace in Paris was dubbed the “role model” for all other baroque constructions in France because it was the personification of the open three-wing arrangement with an innovative twist. Salomon de Brosse’s architecture was the first to highlight the entry, for example, the middle wing, while making the two side wings appear inferior to the central one. This became a distinguishing aspect of Louis XIII’s style later on.

Other architects used the same technique in similar structures, such as François Mansart’s Château de Maisons or the Palace of Versailles, which was designed by three masters, architect Louis Le Vau, designer Charles Le Brun, and gardener André Le Notre , who collaborated to create a landmark of French architecture. The notion of the French formal garden was established for this event, in which symmetry and order take over nature. It went well with the structure, which was influenced by Baroque villas but executed in a more traditional French style.

Unlike the Renaissance and the Baroque, which were both born in Italy, Rococo was born in France. The name is most likely a combination of the terms rocaille (stone) and coquilles (shell), which are both frequent themes in the game. In terms of a more comedic and free attitude to composition and architectural design , it shares many characteristics with Late Baroque, which is occasionally interchanged. While the Baroque was more fun than the Renaissance, the Rococo has pushed this to the next level, with an overtly non-symmetrical, colourful, curvy, and highly ornamented style. This Rococo-style surplus of adornment is commonly attributed to the squandering eras of Louis XV and Louis XVI, and this is not by chance, since they are both linked to it. Rococo, on the other hand, quickly became an international style as it swept throughout Europe, including Vienna, Prague, and Lisbon.

Neoclassicalism

Rococo was quickly superseded by Neoclassicism , and it was criticized by those who associated it with the monarchy as well as historians who lacked an appreciation of the “playful” nature, dismissing it as “poor taste.” As a result, Neoclassicism arose as a restoration to the status quo. Several distinct streams emerged during this time, one of which was the Greek Revival, which lasted until the late nineteenth century when it was eventually deemed counter-modern and counter-progressive. It was contemporaneous with the Romantic and Gothic Revival movements. Greek Revival was never a popular style, neither among the general public nor among the government, as though the ordered, severe architecture just did not suit French taste.

Une Belle Ville – A Beautiful City

France was ruled by Napoleon III in the second part of the nineteenth century, and it was during this time that Baron Haussmann essentially rebuilt Paris . Many people consider Paris to be the most beautiful city in the world, and much of it is due to the Second Empire period. Many of the ancient ones were enhanced, the roadways were accompanied by lines of trees, and street fronts became united by cream-colored stone tiles. A trapezoid-shaped roofing, known as a mansard, became popular during this time. This boxy roof has become synonymous with French design.

The nineteenth century, on the other hand, marked the start of a new era in architecture over the world. The Universal Exposition, held in Paris in 1889, was the venue for the unveiling of the Eiffel Tower , France’s newest engineering triumph. This was a symbol of the Belle Epoque , as well as a manner of demonstrating that Parisians, like the British and their Crystal Palace, are moving forward with the contemporary world. Following the 1889 Expo, Art Nouveau emerged, which was welcomed by the French for a brief period until being superseded by Art Deco just before World War I broke out.

Modernism | French Architecture

The twentieth century was a time of great change, and France’s architecture was no exception. Following WWI, two conflicting streams emerged: the tradition-based Beaux-Arts and the Modernists, led by Le Corbusier and Robert Mallet-Stevens. Even with Le Corbusier’s radical urban ideas, which terrified Parisians, both streams found a way to cohabit, as we all know today. For better or worse, he never got the chance to truly remove half of Paris’s historical center, but his architectural plans left an indelible impression on the rest of France, the most renowned of which is the magnificent Villa Savoye in Poissy, in the French capital’s outskirts.

Even when viewed with a stern critical eye, the impact of Le Corbusier and his colleagues can be observed today. In today’s post-postmodernist period, we have the opportunity to appreciate Jean Nouvel’s glamorous architecture, which has been created all over the world, as well as to re-interpret the concept of glamour via all of his eccentric creations. Furthermore, the French gave us a few post-structuralists, particularly Derrida and Deleuze, who influenced some of the world’s most prominent builders, like Peter Eisenmann. That is to say, even in the most unexpected ways, the French continue to play an important part in the history of architecture.

References:

Encyclopedia.com. (2000).  French Architecture | Encyclopedia.com . [online] Available at: https://www.encyclopedia.com/literature-and-arts/art-and-architecture/architecture/french-architecture

Wikipedia. (2020).  French architecture . [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_architecture

Belle France. (n.d.).  French architecture through the ages . [online] Available at: https://bellefrance.com/blog/french-architecture-through-the-ages/

A recently graduated architect, Mohit has a quest to understand the Art and Architecture of our cities. He believes in designing things by understanding the larger context and blending them into the larger environment.

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L'Architecture d'Aujourd'hui

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The Magazine

L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui is an international magazine, decidedly contemporary and open to the disciplines of urbanism, design, art and landscape architecture. Its ambition is to highlight architecture with 6 thematic issues and 3 special editions per year , distributed in France and abroad.

The magazine in numbers : 6 issues per year 2 languages French/English 144 pages 9 x 11.8 in 25 euros in newsstands and bookshops 50 000 readers in more than 50 countries 1/3 of the readership outside of France

IN 2021, L’ARCHITECTURE D’AUJOURD’HUI GETS A NEW LOOK!

New graphic identity, new sections, the evolution chosen by L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui with its 440th issue affirms a desire to define, more than ever, architecture as a main actor, and not just a marker, of political, urban and social evolutions. Now even more than yesterday, L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui meets the eyes of those who make architecture, those who observe it and those who experience it. Experts on architecture, but also in art, design, human and social sciences, all express in the pages of the magazine their point of view on our contemporary and global society. L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui speaks “seriously about light things and lightly about serious things.” The revue will now change to become more a magazine type, by multiplying topics, formats and illustrations.

L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui no longer talks only to specialists in architecture, but aims to speak to a wider audience as well, those who are curious to know more about how the world is built.

NEWS SECTION |  In the preamble, a succession of briefs offered to an impatient reading bring back the trends of the moment: an evocative image, hard-hitting remarks, visits and discoveries from the editorial staff, tips “art of living”, reading advice from booksellers, a young talent to follow, a mood ticket, a remarkable house, a competition not to be missed, etc.

CULTURAL SECTION |  Here, experts and practitioners from disciplines related to architecture – graphic arts, design, literature, cinema, sciences, etc. – are invited to share their points of view and present their works and researches. This second part includes surveys, forums, reports or interviews.

THE PORTRAIT of an architect offers a transition and precedes the main dossier of the issue.

THE MAIN DOSSIER |  An essay, an investigation, students’ works, studies of heritage building or vernacular processes, but also, conversely, the presentation of future projects, even utopian, as well as the gaze of an expert, those are the headings of the issue’s main dossier. Last but not least, the presentation and analysis of 4 to 5 recent architectural achievements, with a photo report and drawings, support the reflection around the chosen theme.

TRENDS SECTION |  Finally, a trend book referencing the new products offered by the building industry closes the issue. This section provides a portrait of a committed company, presents a notable innovation and highlights remarkable products and solutions in various achievements.

Graphic designer Laurence Ravoux highlights our editorial content with an elegant layout.

For more information on AA’s history, click on our ”AA Rétro” timeline.

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Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony: All you need to know

Picture by Florian Hulleu/Paris 2024

Ambitious, historic, spectacular – these are some of the words used to describe the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony since the first plans were unveiled three years ago.

Set to be the first Olympic Games Opening Ceremony held outside a stadium , the 26 July celebration will transform the French capital into a stadium and theatre as the traditional parade of athletes takes place in boats along the Seine, passing the most iconic Parisian landmarks.

Here is all you need to know about the Opening Ceremony.

• Paris 2024 day-by-day highlights: When to catch the top moments from the Olympic Games
• Twelve of the biggest athletes to watch at Paris 2024

When will the Opening Ceremony be held?

The Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place on Friday, 26 July .

The event will start at 19:30 CEST and is expected to last more than three hours.

Why is this ceremony historic?

Paris 2024 will mark the first time in history of the Olympic Summer Games that the Opening Ceremony is held outside a stadium.

Instead of familiar images of athletes marching out along an athletics track, guests and viewers will be treated to a colourful river parade through the heart of the French capital.

The Seine , the city’s main water artery, will substitute for the traditional track, the quays will become spectator stands , while the setting sun reflecting off famous Parisian landmarks will provide the backdrop for the event.

This outdoor concept also makes Paris 2024 the largest Opening Ceremony in terms of audience and geographical coverage .

What is the route of the parade?

The parade route along the Seine is a visual journey through Parisian history and architecture.

The Austerlitz Bridge next to the Jardin des Plantes is the starting point for the flotilla, which will then continue west for 6 kilometres along the Seine, passing under historic bridges and by iconic landmarks, such as the Notre-Dame and the Louvre , as well as some Games venues, including the Esplanade des Invalides and the Grand Palais .

Grouped on the boats with their national teams, the athletes will ultimately arrive opposite the Trocadero – the esplanade across from the Eiffel Tower – where the official protocols will be carried out, the Olympic cauldron lit, and the Paris 2024 Games officially declared open.

How many athletes will take part?

Almost 100 boats carrying an estimated 10,500 athletes will float along the Seine during the parade. The larger of the 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) represented in the parade will have boats to themselves, while the smaller ones will share boats.

Camera equipment set up on the decks will allow spectators to see the athletes up close and witness their emotions.

What entertainment performances can we expect?

Thomas Jolly , a French theatre director and actor, is overseeing the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies as artistic director .

While most of the entertainment acts remain under wraps, based on the hints so far, we can expect a show on a grand scale with an eclectic mash up of the old and the new. Speaking to the media in January, Jolly said that he wants to showcase the contrasting cultures of France, be that opera or rap, thus bringing together all the pieces that form the nation's diverse cultural identity.

For his part, ceremonies choreographer Maud Le Pladec promised that every bridge along the parade route will have dancers on it. Le Pladec will lead 400 dancers out of the total 3,000 artists who are set to take part in the Paris 2024 Opening and Closing Ceremonies, all decked out in one-of-a-kind costumes by Daphne Burki .

The French television presenter serves as the costume director for the show, leading a team of hundreds of dressmakers, hair stylists and makeup artists. Burki’s focus on sustainability also means there will be many vintage and upcycled pieces used in the ceremonies, mixed in with newer creations.

What will the athletes be wearing?

Artists will not be the only ones showing their style at the Opening Ceremony. With a line-up of luxury brands designing athlete uniforms, expect the Olympians to shine as well.

Team USA mix preppy jackets with jeans for a cool, all-American look, while Italian athletes will show up in casual, dark blue sets . Hosts France worked with a luxury brand to come up with vests and jackets that tie in with the general Paris 2024 look.

Other teams, such as Canada, Great Britain and Sweden , opted for a more athleisure look, all evoking the colour palettes of their national flags.

Some nations went even further with the patriotic details. Mongolian outfits have already created a buzz on social networks for their intricate embroidery and traditional silhouettes .

Brazil and Guatemala ’s looks are also sure to turn heads. Brazil’s denim jackets feature animals that are native to the country, while the Guatemalan athletes are dressed up in folkloric hats and bags to make a colourful statement on the Seine.

What are the different ways to watch the Opening Ceremony?

Almost 600,000 people will be able to enjoy the Opening Ceremony in person. True to its slogan, “Games Wide Open”, Paris 2024 tried to make the event accessible to as many people as possible by taking it outside of the traditional stadium setting.

There were 222,000 free tickets available to watch the parade from the upper banks of the Seine, in addition to 104,000 paid tickets on the lower quays. This marks the first Opening Ceremony where most spectators will not pay an admission fee – another historic milestone for Paris 2024.

Those in Paris who could not get tickets will be able to watch the Opening Ceremony on 80 giant screens set up throughout the city.

An additional 1.5 billion people from around the world are expected to tune into the television broadcasts of the ceremony.

Find the Paris 2024 Media Rights Holders in your country here .

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