The history of art in France reaches back to Paleolithic times. The cave paintings at Lascaux represent the finest pre-historic art ever discovered. They are estimated to be 17,000 years old. And it didn't end there. Throughout the centuries art and architecture have flourished and changed these disciplines forever. The first architecture of note came to France by way of the Roman Empire. Aqueducts, coliseums and other examples remain to this day. And who is not familiar with the Castles of Medieval Times or the towering Cathedrals from the Gothic period. In art, perhaps the most well known innovation was the rise of the Impressionists. Monet, Pissaro and Van Gogh are the names of but a few of the artists who revolutionized one way of viewing and painting the beauty around them. It is a school and style that persists and flourishes to this day. And this vitality for art continues to draw both artists and patrons to France from around the world.