Culture of France

In a culture and art in France as a special contribution made by the big cities and small-largest settlement. Financial and military power of France since the 17th century, grew steadily, and not only on a European scale, but also far beyond the continent.

Historians refer heydays of art and culture with France during the reign of the most famous rulers. Royal style, style of Ludwig IX, it was during his reign begins the construction of the Cathedral of Notre Dame Cathedral in the future, this becomes a symbol of the capital. During the reign of Charles V begins flowering of French Gothic. Charles himself was known as a true admirer of art. He rebuilt the Louvre and placed in its halls library. During his reign, all conditions are created for architects and painters. In addition, Charles V was fond of collecting jewelry and ancient pottery.
Houses in the manner of "Flamboyant Gothic" begin to be erected under Charles VII. Revival begins during the reign of Charles VIII, who was an admirer of Italian art. The final flowering of a revival in France has received thanks to Louis XII.

Italian architects and painters in Paris invited Catherine de Medici and Henry II. During this period begins restructuring the Louvre and erected residence in Fontainebleau. Also during this period built many famous castles, they are decorated with fountains and bas-reliefs. Hunting Lodge erected in Versailles in the late Gothic style ends under Louis XIII. And at the court of Louis XIV, the architects have combined into one baroque and classicism.

French contemporary culture is carefully preserved monuments of culture, which is annually visited by a sufficient number of tourists. Those who correctly all of their travel plans, be sure to plan trips to such interesting meta, as the Champs Elysees in Paris or the Louvre Museum, Cathedral of Arles, castles in the valley of Laura, the Pont d'Avignon in Avignon, Marseille Exchange building.

But it is worth noting that the culture of France is not only historical monuments, it is also a well-known style of music chanson. French songs in this style are heard from literally every restaurant, theater or street cafe, any of the settlements, whether it is a huge metropolis or little-largest town. This style of music has its roots in the theater of the XIX century, just after he turned into a separate genre of pop music and the most popular performers were Charles Aznavour, Edith Piaf and Salvatore Adamo.