Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The house at 5-7 rue du Cheval-Blanc in La Guerche-de-Bretagne is a 16th century building, partially renovated in the 17th century. It is distinguished by its rumped roof adorned with a spear and a carved wooden cornice. The top, pierced by a decorated skylight, and the window of the floor, equipped with a wrought iron railing, testify to a neat craftsmanship. Originally, this porch house housed a shop on the ground floor and an inn named Guyot, still visible in the early 20th century. Today, the three-span porch remains, although the whole building is now used as housing.

The façade and roofs, including chimney stumps, were inscribed in the Historical Monuments by order of 5 April 1948. This classification protects characteristic architectural elements, such as the mansard roof with its two skylights and traces of the old porch. The shopfront, preserved on the ground floor, recalls its historical commercial use. The house thus illustrates the evolution of urban buildings in Brittany, moving from mixed functions (housing, commerce, accommodation) to exclusive residential use.

The location of the house in the centre of La Guerche-de-Bretagne reflects its ancient role in local life. Close to the shopping routes, it housed a hostel, a place of sociability and a stage for travellers. Architectural details, such as crowning ears or ironwork, underline the importance attached to aesthetics and durability in the Breton construction of the 16th and 17th centuries. These elements, combined with its heritage protection, make it a valuable witness to regional urban history.

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