Architecture of France

1576 – Chateau Chenonceau, Indre-et-Loire, France

Chenonceau is probably the most famous chateau in the Loire valley.

15th C. – Chateau Amboise, Indre-et-Loire, France

The Chateau of Amboise, built by order of Charles VIII, Louis XII and François I between the 15th and 16th centuries was one of the first truly “royal”

15th C. – Hótel Goüin, Tours, Indre-et-Loire, France

Now containing the Sociétë Archéologique de Touraine, the Hótel Goüin is a fine Renaissance style mansion in the oldest part of the city.

1630 – Chateau de Cheverny, Loir-et-Cher, France

Architect: Jacques Bougier

Constructed between 1624 and 1630, to designs by the sculptor-architect of Blois,

1659 – Hôtel Salé (Museum Picasso), Paris

Architect: Jean Bouiller de Bourges

Now converted to the Picasso Museum,

1674 – Hotel de Ville, Lyon, France

Architect: Jules Hardouin-Mansart

The Town Hall on place des Terreaux,

1674 – Hôtel des Invalides, Paris

Architect: Libéral Bruant / Jules Hardouin-Mansart

This massive building was built as a convalescence home for disabled war veterans.

1683 – St. Thomas d’Aquin, Paris

Architect: Pierre Bullet

Originally a Dominican monastery, the church of St Thomas Aquineas was built in nine months although the facade was later finished between 1765 and 1770.