16th-Century Castles — The French Renaissance

The 16th century is the golden age of the French Renaissance château. Italian influence, brought back from the campaigns of Charles VIII and Francis I, transformed architecture into an art of pleasure and prestige. The Loire Valley became the showcase of royal power, with Chambord, Chenonceau and Azay-le-Rideau among the most spectacular achievements. Symmetry, loggias, pilasters and sculpted dormers replaced the austere towers of the Middle Ages, without yet abandoning the defensive moat.