Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house of Ozé is an emblematic medieval residence located in the district of Our Lady of Alençon, in the department of Orne. Built in 1450 by Jean de Mesnil, who was then alderman of the city, it illustrates the civil architecture of the late Middle Ages. Its style is characterized by a rectangular granite house, completed in the 16th century by a pavilion and a cylindrical turret. Inside, the large, exposed beamed rooms, covering the entire width of the building, testify to its residential use and social status.

Ranked a historic monument since 1903, the house of Ozé has traversed the centuries preserving its original elements, such as facades and frame. Today owned by the municipality of Alençon, it hosts the tourist office, thus providing a tangible link between medieval heritage and contemporary life. Its early ranking underscores its architectural and historical importance in the Normandy region.

The granite construction, typical of the region, and the presence of a turret reflect the stylistic influences of the nascent Renaissance, while anchoring the building in medieval tradition. The house of Ozé thus embodies the transition between two epochs, while serving as a cultural and tourist landmark for the city. Its state of conservation and current use make it a rare example of living heritage.

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