Les Maisons suspendues, Medieval houses along River Bourne in Pont-en-Royans, France
Les Maisons suspendues are residential structures built directly above the River Bourne in Pont-en-Royans, extending multiple stories over the water. The facades display warm tones of ochre, yellow, and pink, supported by an intricate wooden beam system anchored into the natural rock formation.
These buildings emerged in the 16th century as strategic structures for the Vercors wood trade, offering direct access to river transportation routes. The river was the primary connection for moving goods through this mountainous region.
The dwellings served both as homes and commercial spaces, reflecting how residents adapted to living in a narrow river valley where every inch of land mattered. This arrangement allowed families to live and work in the same structure, directly connected to the river that shaped their daily life.
The structures can be viewed from multiple spots along the village streets and from the bridge that crosses the river. The lower areas of the village offer the most complete view of how these buildings sit above the water.
The buildings rest on wooden beams integrated directly into the rock wall of the gorge, making this an engineering solution that saved precious village land. This approach let residents stay near the river without needing to expand the village footprint on level ground.
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