The Renaissance period began at the end of the fifteenth century and was much influenced by the Italian Renaissance, and this style came to France with the Italians who arrived at Loire Valley, one of the first examples of this period is Chateau d'Amboise, and its famous because Leonardo Da Vinci spent his last days there. The gothic style mixed with the italian Renaissance in France, and the results were impressive, the Chateau de Chambord is one of the most recognizable chāteaux in the world because of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional medieval forms with classical Italian structures. The massive castle features 6 immense towers, 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 84 staircases, and it's said that the original design of the Chateau de Chambord was by Domenico da Cortona, and also Leonardo da Vinci is envolved in the design.

The Renaissance style progressed under architects such as Sebastiano Serlio and artists such as Rosso Fiorentino, Francesco Primaticcio, and Niccolo dell' Abbate formed the First School of Fontainebleau. Architects such as Philibert Delorme, Giacomo Vignola, Androuet du Cerceau and Pierre Lescot, were inspired by the new ideas. The southwest interior facade of the Cour Carree of the Louvre in Paris was designed by Lescot and covered with exterior carvings by Jean Goujon.

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