French Renaissance

The French Renaissance style has less emphasis on rules and correct proportions and more on inventiveness and surface richness. The style holds true to classicism and symmetry among its many design principles. Protection is still a pronounced element to this style; fortified castle-like features, large entry gates, round turrets with conical roofs, entablatures, columns, multi-paned large windows and central courtyards serve as distinguishing features. The overall feeling of the French Renaissance style is lighter, more delicate, more feminine in nature reflecting its own Gothic, rather than classical past. It was influenced by a gradual introduction of Italian Renaissance motifs and classical features.