Lorraine Half-Timbered Properties

The architecture of the Lorraine region of France has been influenced by the strong Germanic style. Lorraine house types and the materials used can thus be categorized in the wide German «pan de bois» (half-timbering/ timberframe) architectural family much used in this area of France and notably in the neighbouring Franche-Comte and Alsace regions' architectural styles.

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A difference with Alsace can be noticed in the landscapes, the Lorraine region generally having fewer mountains and more plains.

This architectural family uses many local symbols and decorations. These symbols appear on porches, doors and on the pieces of wood used to make the half-timbered walls. The popularity of half-timbering in Lorraine is due to the abundance of wood in the area, wood being a primary product used in the a structure of a Lorraine house. Roof tiles are generally brown or red and flat.

Half-timbering structure in Lorraine.

The walls are filled using cob before the floor and roof structure are built. The wooden framework is naturally strong and rigid once erected, the strength of the structure can be supplemented using wood plugs. The walls are traditionally painted, you may for example see purple walls on some houses in this region of France.

Lorraine houses often come with a cellar. The garden boasts a porch that can vary in size depending on the area.

Like in other regions of France, traditional rural houses in Lorraine were often originally farm dwellings so many of these houses will be found in the Lorraine countryside even if the most stunning examples are often located in ancient town centres.

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