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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Marmousets House is a private hotel built in 1586 in Ploërmel, Morbihan, for Jean Caro. Its wooden facade, typical of the Renaissance, is distinguished by an exceptional carved decoration: emerging characters, modillons, consoles and plant motifs (acanthe leaves, hearts). These naïve sculptures, interpreting classical themes, give the building its nickname "marmousets". The building rests on a stone base, with corbellations on the 1st and 2nd floors, supported by an oak wood structure analysed by dendrochronology (cutting in 1584-1585).

Ranked a historic monument by order of 12 April 1927, the house suffered damage during the bombing of 12 June 1944, affecting its roof and facades. Several restoration campaigns have since taken place, including one in 2017-2018 after its conversion to crepery in the early 21st century. The dendrochronological study of 2017 (Dendrotech) confirms the dating of the construction, while earlier restorations preserved its authenticity, despite post-XVI century modifications on the 2nd floor.

Located at 7 rue Beaumanoir, the house illustrates the urban architecture in Breton wood, mixing Renaissance influences and local traditions. His sculptures, although rustic, reflect the adoption of Italian artistic cannons by the artisans of the time. The corbelled sandstone and ground beams highlight the expertise of the 16th century carpenters. Owned by the commune of Ploërmel, it remains a major testimony of the civil heritage of interior Brittany.

The name "Marmousets" comes directly from the small carved characters adorning the facade, some of which emerge from sheaths or are superimposed on either side of the entrance. These figures, combined with decorative motifs (vess, rais de coeur), create a unique ensemble in Brittany. Fanny Gosselin's analysis (2019) in the framework of the survey on wood-pan architecture highlights the structural simplicity contrasting with the ornamental richness, characteristic of bourgeois homes of the late 16th century.

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