This is the Oldest House in France
France is a gorgeous country. And like most countries, there are untouched historical sites that have been left alone for centuries, forgotten over time. It isn’t until someone stumbled upon them again that they realize there’s a hidden gem within the streets. Like the oldest house in France.
This hidden gem is located in Aveyron, a department in the region of Occitania, Southern France, named after the river Aveyron. This site has several culturally significant locations, but one of the most popular is the oldest house in France. Learn more about the house, along with other older buildings, by reading more.
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Which Is the Oldest House in France?
The oldest house in France goes to this 15th-century house, known as Maison de Jeanne, in Sévérac-le-Château, Aveyron, France. It received its name from the last known owner of the building, an artist named Jeanne, and is thought to be one of the oldest houses in Aveyron, as well as the oldest house in France.
It’s also famed for its unique design, with the upper floors being large compared to the first floor which is rather small.
Oldest House in France’s History
The house was constructed in the 1400s, which was estimated by Christophe Perrault, who directs the Center for Studies the Dendrochronology (the scientific method of dating tree rings, or growth rings).
When taking a sample of timber core within the structure, they were able to determine a rough estimation of when the house was built. Through the process, they believe the house was built in the spring of 1478.
Why Is the Oldest House in France So Unique?
It’s not just the time when it was built, but also the style. French daily morning newspaper, Le Figaro, touched on the unique and unusual design of the building, suggesting that they were based on the floorplan of the building and that the original owner built the upper floors wider and larger than the ground floor.
The fact that the ground floor, or first floor, is smaller than the upper levels is a result of jettying, which is a common practice in French architecture in the 13th to the 16th centuries, which prevents the floor from bowing and makes buildings more structurally sound.
Who Owns the Oldest House in France Now?
While the house has been unoccupied since the 1970s, it was purchased in 1995 by the municipality of Sévérac. Since its purchase, the house has been under restoration and repair. The renovations were even supervised by architect Philippe Blondin.
The roof that was originally made of slate tiles was removed individually and measured by Serge Causse, in which replacements were cut and sized exactly. Even authentic lime plaster was used for the interior to make sure the renovations were up to par with keeping the authenticity.
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Oldest Buildings In France
Maison de Jeanne is a structure to behold, with a wealth of knowledge and history that is sure to be a delight. But if you want more than just an old house in France, then why not check out some other older structures across the country?
Maison Carrée
Temples are one of the oldest structures that are preserved, and the ancient Roman temple in Nîmes, in Southern France, is a great example. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman temples to survive in the territory of the former Roman Empire.
It’s a mid-sized Augustan provincial temple of the Imperial cult. According to an inscription, it was dedicated to Lucious and Gaius Caesar, adopted sons of Augustus. The Maison Carrée stands 82 feet long and 40 feet wide and is a beautiful structure to visit.
Cairn de Barnenez
One of the oldest structures in France, apart from the oldest house in France, is the Cairn de Barnenez, a Neolithic monument located near Plouezoc’h, in Northern France. It dates to the early Neolithic, around 4800 BC, and overlooks the sea.
It’s the largest megalithic burial site in Europe with 11 granite dolmens, or burial chambers, across its 220 feet of space. It was repurposed as a quarry for a time, and was almost forgotten until archaeologist Pierre-Rolan Giot came across it in 1954. Two years later, he secured it as a listing for a historical monument where it then overtook restoration until 1968.
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Conclusion
Even though the Maison de Jeanne was forgotten for years, it’s now one of the most valuable and priceless pieces of history in France. Structures can tell the world so much of history, from the way it’s built to the damage that it’s taken over time.
Of course, it’s hard to tell if it’s really the oldest house in France, it’s been considered as such thanks to media coverage and studies. Hopefully, there is more that can be learned while repairing it to its natural beauty.
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