Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Peyrat oval barn, located in Payzac, Dordogne, was built in the 19th century on the site of an old rectangular barn, after 1820. This building is distinguished by its elliptical shape, an architectural peculiarity unique to a limited geographical area between Haute-Vienne, Corrèze and Dordogne. Its structure is based on a wooden frame composed of six square pillars supporting crossbows, breakdowns and rafters, while the shale and quartz walls play only a fencing role. Originally covered with thatch, it is now protected by plate. The interior keeps a barn with cornadis (wood separations) and a hay attic accessible above.

The oval barns, which appeared in the mid-18th century, meet local agricultural needs, combining storage space and shelter for livestock. Their elliptical plan optimizes traffic and interior volume, an innovation for the time. The central gate, back on the façade, facilitates access to vehicles and animals. This type of construction reflects the adaptation of vernacular techniques to the economic and climatic constraints of the region, where shale and quartz were abundant and inexpensive materials.

Classified as a Historical Monument by order of 17 March 1992, the Peyrat barn illustrates an unknown but emblematic rural heritage. Its inscription underlines the rarity of this architectural model, now preserved as a witness to traditional agricultural practices. The precise location (451 Le Peyrat) and its state of conservation make it a subject of study for historians of vernacular architecture. The initial stubble cover, replaced by plate, marks an evolution of materials over the centuries, while maintaining the original structure.

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