House of Adam and Eve

On your left, at number 69, stands one of the most iconic houses in the Old Town, the Maison d’Adam et Ève, instantly recognisable for its striking half-timbered façade and intriguing carvings. Dating back to the late 15th century, it’s a perfect example of the timber-framed medieval architecture typical of the Cité Plantagenêt. In those days, overhanging houses like this were common: they made it possible to gain extra space above the narrow streets while paying lower taxes, since these were calculated based on the ground floor area. But what truly makes this house famous are its carvings. Look closely between the timber beams and you’ll spot human figures. The most famous shows a nude couple, thought to be Adam and Eve, the biblical scene that gave the house its name. Some historians, however, believe it could be a secular allegory, more symbolic than religious. The truth remains uncertain, and that mystery is part of its charm. Today, as is often the case in the old town, the building houses a shop.