French Colonial Architecture
Introduction
French colonial architecture describes various styles of architecture used by the French during colonization. Many former French colonies, especially those in Southeast Asia, have previously been reluctant to promote their colonial architecture as an asset for tourism; However, in recent times, the new generation of local authorities has "embraced" the architecture and has begun to publicize it.[1] French colonial architecture has a long history, beginning in North America in 1604 and being most active in the Western Hemisphere (Caribbean, Guyana, Canada "Canada (New France"), Louisiana) until the 20th century, when the French focused their attention more on Africa and Asia.[2].
In Canada
French settlements in Canada date back from mid-century to the French defeat in the Seven Years' War, where New France was annexed by the British Crown after the Treaty of Paris of 1763 "Treaty of Paris (1763)"). Settlements in the regions were extensive, so the rich architectural legacy of that period is shown particularly in Quebec City "Quebec (city)"), but also in the city of Montreal, which has a significant French-Canadian population. Most buildings constructed during the French colonial period used a heavy wooden structure of logs installed vertically on a basal sill, poteaux-sur-sol, or on the ground, poteaux-en-terre. A filling of lime or clay mortar mixed with small stones (perforation) or a mixture of mud, moss and animal hair (bousillage) was used to pack between the logs. Many times the fill would later be replaced with brick. This construction method was used in the Ilinuese Country and in Louisiana "Louisiana (New France)"). The general characteristics of a French colonial home include a raised basement that would support the floor of the main living area of the house. The exterior stairs were another common element; Stairs often ascended to a distinctive, full-length verandah or "gallery" on the façade of a house. The veranda roof was normally part of the general roof. French colonial roofs were hipped with dormers "Attic (window)"), or gabled. The veranda or gallery is often accessed through French doors. French colonial houses in the southern United States commonly had stuccoed exterior walls.[3].