Timeline

Origin and history

The house at 6 Rue du Général-de-Gaulle in the Faou is a remarkable example of 16th century Breton civil architecture. Built probably around the middle of this century, it is distinguished by its wooden panels structure, partially modified in masonry on the sides. Its corbellation sprocket, though transformed in its lower part, and its integral slate cover illustrate the constructive techniques of the era. Awnings protect the bays on each floor, while a wing in return houses an angle staircase, suggesting a spatial organization suitable for commercial use.

Inside, the layout seems to have been redesigned in the first half of the 17th century, perhaps reflecting changes in needs or tastes. This house, classified by order of 3 August 1925, was probably that of a merchant, as evidenced by its location in the city centre (formerly Grande-Rue) and its structure designed to combine habitat with professional activity. Its present state, although partially altered, retains characteristic elements of the Breton urban residences of the Renaissance.

The Faou, located in Finistère, was at this time a dynamic village linked to river and land exchanges. Wood-paned houses like this often served as a place of life, storage and sale for local merchants. Their preservation today offers a valuable testimony on the way of life and economy of the small Breton cities in the 16th and 17th centuries.

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