Maison romane, Medieval house in Provins, France
The Maison Romane is a 12th-century residential building with thick limestone walls and compact rooms typical of medieval merchant homes. The interior preserves multiple floors with different functional areas, from storage cellars to living quarters above.
The building was constructed in the 12th century when Provins flourished as a trading town and wealthy merchants built their homes there. The structure remained intact over the centuries, reflecting a time when the city held an important role in European commerce.
The building shows how wealthy merchants lived and organized their homes during medieval times. The stone rooms reveal the daily habits of a family closely connected to the town's trading activities.
The house sits in the center of Provins and is easily reached on foot from the main plaza. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the narrow staircases and uneven stone floors require slower movement.
The name "Romane" refers to the Romanesque architectural style, not Roman origins. This style designation is typical for buildings from this period and stands apart from the later Gothic structures found elsewhere in town.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.