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Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The houses of 14 and 16 rue Henri-Cheron, located in Lisieux in Calvados, are emblematic buildings of the 15th and 16th centuries. Their conservation is remarkable despite the fires of 1944 that destroyed much of the city. These wood-paned houses, with their carved facades and their corbellations, illustrate the typical architecture of Lisieux before the bombings, worth to the city the nickname "the capital of carved wood". Their present state makes them valuable witnesses to the urban physiognomy of d.

Henri-Cheron Street, formerly known as Grande-Rue until 1936, houses these two houses whose facade and roof were protected by a decree of 6 February 1929, classifying them as historical monuments. The number 16 is particularly distinguished by its carved panels of wood, its corbellation and its dripping, characteristic elements of local craftsmanship. These architectural details reflect the expertise of the carpenters and sculptors of the time, as well as the importance of wood in Norman construction.

The massive destruction suffered by Lisieux during World War II makes these houses all the more exceptional. Their preservation makes it possible to imagine the appearance of the city before the ravages of 1944, where half-timbered houses dominated the urban landscape. They also demonstrate the resilience of local heritage, despite historical disasters. Their early inscription in historic monuments, since 1929, underscores their recognized heritage value long before the conflicts of the twentieth century.

Today, these houses are a point of interest in understanding the architectural history of Lisieux and Normandy. Their location in the city centre, on a historic artery, makes them visual and cultural landmarks for both residents and visitors. They also recall the central role of wood in the visual identity of the region, where this material was widely used for civil and religious constructions.

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