Initial construction XIVe siècle (≈ 1450)
Start of building the house.
XVe siècle
Continuation of work
Continuation of work XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Completion or architectural modifications.
29 novembre 1948
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 29 novembre 1948 (≈ 1948)
Registration by official order.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
Sources do not mention any historical actors.
Origin and history
The Maison des Fossés Tanarès, located in Argentan in Orne, is a typical example of Norman medieval civil architecture. Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, it illustrates the superimposed wooden construction system, where the poles, of a height of one floor, are separated by well-worked base and sandstone. Its square plan, supplemented by a round staircase integrated into a second square element, reflects a careful spatial organization for the time.
The architectural peculiarity of this house lies in its two spans with a corbellation of the upper floors on the lower floors. This process, common in medieval architecture, allowed to enlarge the living area without encroaching on the public road. The house was classified as Historic Monument by order of 29 November 1948, thus recognizing its heritage value.
Today, the Maison des Fossés Tanarès belongs to the municipality of Argentan. Although its current use (visit, rental, accommodation) is not specified in the sources, its state of conservation and location make it an important testimony of Norman built heritage. The available coordinates place the monument at 5 Rue Fossés-Tanarès or 7 Rue des Fosses Tanarès, with geographical accuracy deemed satisfactory a priori.
