The medieval houses on rue François Miron

Medieval houses are very rare in Paris. Those on rue François Miron, with the “faucheur” sign on number 11 and the “mouton” sign on number 13, are remarkable.

When were the houses at 11 and 13 rue François Miron built?

Both houses date back to the early 16th century, and in their original state could date back to the 14th century. In 1508, repeated royal decrees forbade projecting constructions, which risked collapsing and causing accidents in the street. For this reason, the gable on 13 was clipped in the 17th century. It was rebuilt in 1967, when both houses were restored.

In 1607, under the reign of Henri IV, an edict ordered the plastering of the timber frames of buildings to reduce the risk of fire. The architect has cleared them and restored them to their original design.

How were these houses built in the Middle Ages?

In the Middle Ages, the main raw material for building a house was wood. Each floor was corbelled, i.e. it protruded from the street above the floor below. This meant that houses could be built without the need for pillars reaching all the way to the ground.

Why were the corbels lost on these houses?

Over time, the corbels were lost. A major drawback was that they reduced the space between houses, making it easier for fire to spread. In 1607, the City of Paris decided to ban protruding gables and cover exposed beams with lime and plaster to reduce the risk of fire.

What are these two houses called and why?

Both houses have retained their medieval sign names. The house on the left is called “la maison à l'enseigne au faucheur”, while the one on the right is known as “la maison à l'enseigne au mouton”. In medieval times, streets were not numbered, but identified by the signs on the buildings.

How have these medieval houses been restored?

The current appearance of the houses, with their exposed beams, dates from the 1960s. In 1967, architect Robert Hermann undertook the restoration of these two houses, highlighting the half-timbering and redesigning the gable at number 11. However, the original corbels were not rebuilt.

Are these the oldest houses in Paris?

The houses at nos. 11 and 13 rue François Miron date back to the 16th century. Although not the oldest houses in Paris, they bear witness to late medieval architecture. The oldest house in Paris is generally considered to be the Maison au Grand Pignon, also known as the Maison de Nicolas Flamel, built in 1407 at 51 rue de Montmorency.

These half-timbered houses on rue François Miron are true architectural treasures, transporting visitors back in time to the history of Paris.

Are these houses part of your guided tours?

Yes, the Medieval and Aristocratic Marais tour includes these two houses.




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