Literature, The 16th Century

The Renaissance in France coincided with the 16th century. It was an age marked by intense intellectual and artistic activity during which writers explored new ideas and new literary forms. The Renaissance had begun in Italy in the 14th century, when influential thinkers challenged longstanding beliefs in all areas of society. With the challenge to dogma came a new awareness of beauty. The new way of thinking began to filter into France after the outbreak of the Wars of Italy in 1494. French armies returning from Italy brought a knowledge of the Italian Renaissance, of the taste and luxurious living of the Italian nobility, and of the new values of humanism. The Renaissance chateaux built in the valley of the Loire River in France testify to the impression Italian palaces made on the aristocratic leaders of the French army.