Paris, Chartres and Versailles Revisited - Their Importance in French Cultural Life

Come and enjoy this presentation centred on recently-taken photos of Paris, Chartres and Versailles. Learn about the continuing significance of these beautiful, varied locations to French cultural life. Since the Medieval period Paris has been at the centre of French cultural life: its outstanding architecture reflects this role. The renovations of some of the city’s iconic buildings, notably Notre Dame, emphasises this. Chartres, long regarded as the most beautiful Gothic cathedral in France and is now also undergoing considerable renovations. At Versailles the emphasis will be on the gardens, the Grands and Petits Trianons, and Queen Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

COURSE OUTLINE

• Paris today – the restoration of Notre Dame, and a selection of other, varied locations in the city
• Chartres and its present restoration – a centre of pilgrimage since the Medieval period
• The Palace of Versailles – the contribution of Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette – the present re-appraisal of their reigns and contributions to French cultural life

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Distinguish the major outstanding architectural features of Paris, Chartres and Versailles and the ongoing work of preservation and restoration
2. Appreciate the changes in philosophical outlook and taste exemplified by the architecture of these three locations