Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Maison de la Paumette, listed as a Historic Monument in 1920, is a rare example of a 15th century easy-growing house in Rocamadour. Its history dates from the 12th or 13th century, as evidenced by the Romanesque arcades on the ground floor, probably linked to shops. These elements, including two large arcades separated by a door, have typical broken arches, although their peaks are not aligned. An old door and a double closet, vestiges of a nearby house disappeared, remain on the southwest wall, formerly adjoining.

The house underwent major transformations around 1500, after probably being in ruins following the Hundred Years' War. The works of this period included a large larmal cross on the first floor, a monumental fireplace backed by the northeast wall, and a spiral staircase in a turret. A tank dug into the rock and a column supporting the floor also date from this period. The roof, now lower, used to lean against the nearby cliff. The restoration of the 1970s helped stabilize the building, which was then being degraded.

The north-east lateral elevation, which is very redesigned, retains traces of an external staircase and a broken arched door, possibly added late. The first level, cut into the rock on 8.70 meters wide, reveals a construction technique adapted to Rocamadour's steep relief. Although modified over the centuries, the house illustrates the architectural evolution of Occitan rural dwellings, mixing Romanesque heritage and Gothic adaptations.

Owned since its classification, the Maison de la Paumette is distinguished by its remarkable state of conservation for a medieval residence. Its cadastral plan of 1825 already shows it isolated on the edge of the rue de la Mercerie, stressing its importance in the historical urban fabric. The studies by J. Rocacher (1979) clarified its construction phases and its role in local life, between habitat and commercial activity.

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