Wealth of beautiful buildings in many European cities

AnArchitectural type that was prevalent in France since 1140 to 1500 years was French Gothic Architecture: An Example of Intricate and Delicate Aesthetic. This architecture style is seen in many European cities. French architecture is a mix of many architectural styles originated at different regions and in France, though developed in French territory.

What is Architecture?

The art and technology of designing a building is known as architecture as contrast to construction of a building. Architecture takes into account the utilitarian and aesthetic perspective of a building. Architecture focus on practical aspects, design, expressions and aesthetics of a building which onlookers marvel at, later!

French Architecture

French Architecture studies show that many churches were built in a particular architectural style and other types also took many years and centuries to build.

During this massive span of times the tastes as well as building plans were altered.

Among famous ones are:

• Ancient Roman (125BC -450 AD): Provence, Nimes preserves, Corinthian Temple, pont du Guard
• Romanesque (800–1100): Cathedrale St-Benigne, Cathedrale St-Pierre
• Gothic (1100–1500): Basilique St Denis, Cathedrale de Notre-Dame
• Renaissance (1500–1630): Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Tanlay, Chateau de Chenonceau
• Classicism and Rococo (1630–1800): Val de Grace, Palais du Tau, steeply sloping town houses, chateaux and church’s “Mansard” roofs named after Mansart
• 19th Century: Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann commissioned by Napoleon III in 1852 redesigned the city of Paris. Arch de Triomphe , Tour Eiffel are classic examples of this era. La Tour Eiffel(1889) creation of French Civil Engineer Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel (1832–1923) to commemorate centennial celebration of French revolution, proved mechanical prowess of France on worldstage!
• 20th Century: Centre Pompidou (1977), Louvre’s Glass Pyramids (1989), Opera Bastille (1989)

French Gothic Architecture

There exists four types of Gothic Architecture:

• Early Gothic : It included pointed arcs transitioned from Romanesque architecture. To heighten the walls builders used four tiers.

1. Arcades: Arches and Piers
2. Gallery: A long narrow room with high ceiling
3. Triforium: Interior gallery opening into tall central space at an upper level. It may appear at the level of clerestory windows. Outer wall of triforium may have opening — glazed or unglazed window or solid wall. Narrow triforium may also be called blind storey as it has a row of window frames
4. Clerestory: In Architecture vocabulary, a clear section of wall that have window above eye level is clerestory. Its use is to provide fresh air and sunlight
5. Flying Buttress: To support high walls builders used support at an angle called buttress
6. Vaults: Self supporting semicircular brick or stone structures to support and cover ceiling or roof inside arch.

• High Gothic: Utilized designs and proportions of early Gothis architecture to build light and taller majestic structures.

1. The wall structure reduced to three. Arcade, Triforium and Clerestory.
2. Clerestory windows changed from one window to two windows united by a circular Rose window. Stained glass windows.
3. Vaults reduced from six to four
4. Flying buttress matured and became more canonical to support high walls as in Notre Dame de Paris

• Rayonnant : Shift from larger architectural structure towards unity, refined decorations, pinnacles, moldings and larger windows filled with space and light. Larger rose windows, more windows in upper clerestory, More interior decorations and motifs which also extended to outer buttresses. Use of tracery from stained glass windows to areas of stone work.
• Late Gothic or Flamboyant style: Increased emphasis on decoration, lavish interiors, high end fabrics, curved, intricate furniture and plenty of decorative detailing.

Architectural Marvels in France, especially in Paris has made it most loved and visited city, by visitors and globe trotters. Modern architectures and current day beauty and a balance of old and new makes the ancient place, France mesmerizing and unique!

Historical monuments and landmarks crafted centuries ago provides eternal beauty to France. Unmatched landscapes, vineyards, wine and sophisticated cuisine adds to overall experience!!