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Origin and history

The Hôtel du Parquet, located in Saint-Loup-Lamairé in Les Deux-Sèvres, is a remarkable example of medieval civil architecture. Built in the 15th century, this monument is distinguished by its wooden facade, with successive corbellations on the second and third floors. The windows of these levels have retained their original appearance, while inside, exposed beams and ceiling floors testify to the traditional structure. A monumental 15th century fireplace, decorated with coat of arms carved on its coat, is one of the most notable elements on the ground floor.

The house, also called Le Parquet, has a stone staircase whose upper part is surmounted by an annular vault. These architectural features led to its classification as Historic Monument by decree of 18 February 1930. The accuracy of its location is considered satisfactory a priori, and the exact address, 3 Grand-Rue Théophane Venard, allows to locate the building in the center of Saint-Loup-Lamairé.

Although information on its precise historical use is limited, this type of construction reflects the way of life of local elites or wealthy merchants in the Middle Ages. The wooden houses, frequent in medieval villages, served both as a place of residence and as a space for social representation. Their preservation today offers a tangible testimony to the craftsmanship and construction techniques of the time, while stressing the importance of the heritage built in small rural communities such as Saint-Loup-Lamairé.

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