Timber-framed houses

The half-timbered houses, in Roanne

The half-timbered houses of Roanne are two fine old residences that stand in the middle of the square, witnesses of medieval Roanne. The Roanne audio-guided tour stops here to evoke these rare vestiges of the architecture of the past, with a picturesque silhouette and an intact charm.

The old residences in the heart of the square

What are these two houses doing in the middle of the square? With their magnificent timber framing, these old residences immediately attract the gaze and seem to come from another time. The half-timbered houses, or timber-framed houses, are characteristic of the architecture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: their structure is made of a framework of apparent wooden beams, whose spaces are filled with cob or bricks, creating this so recognisable design of lines and crosspieces on the façade. Formerly very widespread in the towns, these houses have largely disappeared over the centuries, victims of fires, demolitions and reconstructions. Those of Roanne thus count among the rare witnesses of the old habitat of the town, and their presence in the heart of the square gives them a particular heritage value. They evoke the Roanne of the past, its narrow streets and the life of its inhabitants through the centuries. Preserved and highlighted, they bring charm and character to the historic centre. Witnesses of the old habitat and picturesque jewels, the half-timbered houses are a fine stop of the discovery of Roanne.

What to see

You admire the two fine old residences that stand in the middle of the square, with the framework of apparent wooden beams characteristic of the architecture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance; counting among the rare witnesses of the old habitat of Roanne, largely disappeared over the centuries, they evoke the Roanne of the past and bring charm and character to the centre. The half-timbered houses are picturesque jewels of Roanne. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The half-timbered houses lie on a square of the historic centre of Roanne, reachable on foot. They are buildings that you admire from the square; their interior access, according to their use, follows its own conditions. You discover them during a walk in old Roanne.

What is particular about the half-timbered houses of Roanne?

They are two fine old residences that stand in the middle of the square, with the framework of apparent wooden beams characteristic of the architecture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance; they count among the rare witnesses of the old habitat of Roanne, largely disappeared over the centuries, and evoke the Roanne of the past.

Where are the half-timbered houses in Roanne?

On a square of the historic centre of Roanne, in France.