Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The house of La Dîme, also known as the House of Porche, is an emblematic monument of Rablay-sur-Layon (now Bellevigne-en-Layon), in the department of Maine-et-Loire. This 15th-century half-timbered building is distinguished by its house overhanging a porch, supported by a carved oak beam. It embodies late medieval architecture and remains a strong symbol for the commune, even on local wine glasses offered to new inhabitants.

In 1779, an annual rent paid to the parish priest earned him his present name. The building was listed as historical monuments in 1952 for its facades and roofs. Between 1962 and 2000, it housed the post office, as evidenced by a metal grid in the shape of a postage stamp on a window. Today, the house houses an associative library, perpetuating its central role in community life.

The house of the tithe also illustrates the evolution of the uses of historic buildings: first linked to the perception of tithes (ecclesiastical tax), it became a public service before devoting itself to culture. Its porch, once a compulsory crossing point in the village, remains a place of memory for the inhabitants. Architectural details, such as the carved beam, highlight the artisanal know-how of the medieval period in Anjou.

External links