Paris in the 16th century Paris in the 16th century During the 16th century, Paris was the largest city in Europe, with a population of about 350,000 in 1550. The 16th century saw the Renaissance arrive in Paris, expressed in the city's architecture, art and cultural life. The Kings of France returned to Paris from the Loire Valley. Paris. In 1534 Francis I became the first French king to make the Louvre his residence. Under King Francis I, the Renaissance style of architecture, imported from Italy, was widely used in churches and public buildings, replacing the gothic style. Paris landmarks built during the 16th century
St. Bartholomew's Day massacre that it was not. Over the centuries, the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre has inevitably aroused a great deal of controversy. Modern historians are still divided over the responsibility of the royal family: Traditional histories have tended to focus more on the roles of the political notables whose machinations began the massacre than the mindset of those who actually did the killing. Ordinary lay Catholics were involved in the mass killings; they believed they were executing the wishes of the king and of God. At this time, in an age before mass media, "the pulpit remained probably the most effective means