What are the houses in France? The concept of French style

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

For centuries, France has been considered the standard of style and set the tone and fashion trends throughout Europe. This beautiful country was imitated, copied, and proud of its similarity with it. It is no coincidence that the aristocracy and members of the royal families conducted secular conversations and official correspondence in French, even as subjects of another state. The influence of the trendsetter also affected architecture. Now all over the world, including in Russia, many who wish are building country houses in the French style. What is special about it? What are they like at home in France? The answers can be found in the following article.

Typical French house

What picture comes to mind at the mention of a French house? The heart from these words becomes warm. A dream house is presented, created for a leisurely happy life filled with love. Small but spacious, on two or three floors, with a sloping roof, charming with its elegant simplicity, friendly and inviting, immersed in flowers. roses,mallows, pelargoniums or clematis are everywhere: on the balcony, on the cornices under the windows, in the area next to the porch. From this house breathes an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. In the autumn evenings, family dinners are held in the living room for lively conversation, and in the summer, gourmet snacks are served on the outdoor terrace with a glass of light homemade wine from home-grown grapes.

History of architectural styles

Each era in the history of the country influenced the formation of architectural styles and determined their characteristic features. Thus, houses in France until the 11th century were built in the Roman tradition and did not differ in particular elegance, because the emphasis was placed on the strength and power of the building.

In the 11th century, the Roman era begins in Europe. Vaulted ceilings appear in temples, facades are decorated with sculptures, a round window called a rose cuts through the main entrance. Kings and nobility lived in formidable impregnable castles, distinguished by severity and located more often on hills or surrounded by moats. Windows were placed randomly and could be located at different levels. The central element of the monastery or castle is the main tower - the donjon, which is surrounded by other buildings of simple geometric shapes.

In the late Middle Ages, France is dominated by the Gothic style, which is characterized by high, narrow forms of towers and windows. Architectural elements are decorated with carvings and stained-glass windows. The trend was observed both in temples and castles and residences of the aristocracy.

The architecture of the French Renaissance was markedlove for symmetrical lines, columns and pilasters.

Renaissance architecture is being replaced by the Rococo style. Roof balustrades, scroll moldings, pediments of various shapes, high pilasters on facades and flower garlands reflect the desire of the French aristocracy for luxury, we alth, and abundance.

Geographical features of French residential architecture

The formation of French architecture is influenced not only by the historical era, but also by climatic conditions, landscape features and traditions of the region. Among the styles of residential buildings in France, Norman style, Provence and chateau stand out especially.

Norman style

As the name implies, the Norman style originated in the province of Normandy. It combines elegance and Gothic romanticism. A distinctive feature of the Norman style is a hip roof with wide gables, the ridge of which is decorated with wrought iron bars and neat spiers. The house usually has an attic, the windows of which are sometimes framed with stone. The image is complemented by dormers - original dormer windows.

Chateau Style

The name of the style comes from the French chateau, which means "castle" in Russian. A house in this style really looks like a real royal abode and impresses with its elegance and splendor. The style is characterized by a complex line of the facade, numerous bay windows, arches, ledges, gabled roofs with spiers and multiplechimneys.

In a chateau-style house, a basement is sure to be arranged, which can be used as a cellar for storing wine.

Provence

This style embodies the romance of the French hinterland. It is characterized by simplicity and conciseness, not devoid of gentle elegance. The style is characterized by a multi-pitched roof with dormer windows. In order to avoid overheating under the hot midday sun, light shades of plaster are used in the exterior decoration of the walls. For additional protection from heat and wind, the windows are equipped with wooden shutters. An invariable element of Provence style is a patio or an open terrace on the shady side of the house.

Old houses in France: photo and description

Beautiful French architecture from all eras has been preserved not only in fascinating temples and majestic castles, but also in residential buildings.

Walking along the medieval streets, you can easily meet the old houses of France, which have not lost their charm.

For example, an old house in a medieval alley in the town of Carcassonne, located 80 km from Toulouse. Now a restaurant is organized here.

The whimsical and unusual house of Marie Antoinette, located in Versailles, attracts attention.

Another interesting attraction is the village of Collonge-la-rouge, located in the Limousin region. Red sandstone is a characteristic feature of the area. It was he who served as the main materialbuilt houses and turned the village into a tourist destination, attracting over half a million visitors a year.

The streets of France are simply made to walk slowly along them, admire the indescribable beauty, draw inspiration from every step, dream and fall in love!