The Renaissance in France, spanning from the late 15th to the early 17th century, marked a period of cultural and artistic revival influenced by the earlier Italian Renaissance. This era saw the emergence of notable figures such as François Rabelais in literature and Leonardo da Vinci in art, who contributed to the flourishing of humanism and individual expression. French architecture also thrived during this time, with the construction of iconic structures like the Château de Chambord and the expansion of the Louvre. The Renaissance laid the groundwork for modern French culture, emphasizing the importance of education, science, and the arts.