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Heritage classified

Origin and history

Riom House, dating from the 15th century, is a remarkable example of late Gothic civil architecture. Its street façade, characteristic of the period, includes a protruding tower with a staircase, as well as a southern wall pierced by a large bay on the first floor. These elements, typical of the flamboyant style, bear witness to the refined craftsmanship of the period, especially through the mouldings adorning the entrance door and the double-window window.

The Gothic gate, located on the ground floor of the stairway tower, overlooks the street and has a frame decorated with flamboyant mouldings. At the top, a badge wears an unidentified monogram, adding a mysterious touch to the building. The large window on the first floor, of the same style as the door, features a double finely molded, reinforcing the stylistic unit of the facade. These architectural details led to the inscription of the facade and the stair tower as Historical Monuments by order of 6 April 1929.

The exact address of the house, according to the Merimée base, is 20-22 rue Marthuret in Riom, although approximate GPS coordinates also place it at 37 rue Gilbert Romme. This discrepancy reflects uncertainties related to precise location, assessed as "a priori satisfactory" (note 6/10) in available sources. The monument, although protected, does not seem open to the public for regular visits, rentals or accommodation, according to current information.

The historical context of Riom in the 15th century was marked by its role as an administrative and judicial city in Auvergne, under the influence of the Dukes of Bourbon. Bourgeois houses, like this one, reflected the prosperity of local elites, often linked to trade, justice or the Church. The flamboyant Gothic architecture, with its elaborate decorations, symbolized the social prestige and mastery of local artisans, in a region where volcanic stone provided a material of choice for sustainable constructions.

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