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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The two houses of the Morand wharf, located in Paimpol in the Côtes-d'Armor (Bretagne region), form a remarkable architectural complex built in 1793. They embody the characteristic style of the homes of Malouin shipowners and corsairs, with distinctive elements such as oval skylights, salient angle chains and beamed chimneys. Their initial design provided for an alignment of similar constructions, never realized as evidenced by the condemned openings on the pinions.

These buildings, attributed to Corouge Kersaux, are distinguished by their structure on three floors, where the last level is integrated into the roof. The facades have prominent frames around the openings, while horizontal cords highlight floor levels. The vault keys of the windows, extended upwards, join these cords, creating a harmonious visual effect. The whole, partially protected since 1964 (façades and roofs), reflects the opulence of Breton maritime traders at the end of the eighteenth century.

The inscription under the title of historical monuments by order of 11 August 1964 concerns only external elements (facades and roofs), thus preserving their original architectural character. These houses, originally planned to be joined to other unbuilt buildings, offer a rare testimony of the urban ambitions and craftsmanship of the time. Their location on the Morand wharf, by the sea, recalls Paimpol's central role in regional maritime activities, between trade and private.

Their style is inspired directly by the malouin models, adapted here on a more modest but equally neat scale. The materials and techniques used (angle chains with horizontal joints, oculi windows) underline a desire for durability and aesthetics, typical of the constructions intended for a growing merchant bourgeoisie. Today, these houses are an emblematic heritage of the Breton coast, linked to the economic and social history of the region.

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