House of Adam and Eve

The House of Adam and Eve, in Le Mans

The House of Adam and Eve is one of the most emblematic houses of old Le Mans, a splendid timber-framed dwelling of the end of the fifteenth century. The Le Mans audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this perfect example of medieval corbelled architecture, famous for its intriguing sculptures, including a nude couple representing Adam and Eve, that gave it its name.

The timber-framed house with sculptures

On your left, at number 69, is one of the most emblematic houses of old Le Mans: the House of Adam and Eve, recognisable among all thanks to its superb half-timbered façade and its intriguing sculptures. Dated from the end of the fifteenth century, this house is a perfect example of medieval timber-framed architecture, typical of the Plantagenet City. At the time, corbelled houses like this one were common: their floors advancing over the street allowed to gain space in the narrow alleys, while paying less tax, these being calculated on the ground surface. But what makes this house really famous are its sculptures. Look well: between the wooden uprights, you glimpse finely carved human figures. One of the most known represents a nude couple, supposed to figure Adam and Eve, and it is this biblical scene that gave its name to the house. You also find there mythological figures and Renaissance motifs, witnesses of the refinement of its commissioner, doubtless a rich notable of the city. These decorations mingle sacred and profane inspiration, in an abundant medieval art of living. A jewel of the heritage of Le Mans, the house embodies the charm and the history of the old town, and figures among the most photographed buildings of the district. A half-timbered house and a sculpted treasure, the House of Adam and Eve is a fine stop of the discovery of Le Mans.

What to see

Here you admire one of the most emblematic houses of old Le Mans, a superb timber-framed dwelling of the end of the fifteenth century, with medieval corbelled architecture; its wooden uprights are adorned with sculpted figures, including a nude couple representing Adam and Eve, that gave it its name, as well as mythological and Renaissance motifs. The House of Adam and Eve is a jewel of the heritage of Le Mans. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The House of Adam and Eve lies at number 69 of the Grande-Rue, in old Le Mans, reachable on foot. You admire its half-timbered façade and its sculptures from the street; it is a building that generally cannot be visited. You discover it during a walk in the Plantagenet City.

Why is the house of Le Mans called the House of Adam and Eve?

Because, among the sculpted figures between the wooden uprights of its façade, one of the most known represents a nude couple supposed to figure Adam and Eve; this biblical scene gave its name to this superb timber-framed dwelling of the end of the fifteenth century, one of the most emblematic of old Le Mans, also adorned with mythological and Renaissance motifs.

Where is the House of Adam and Eve in Le Mans?

At number 69 of the Grande-Rue, in old Le Mans, in France.