Brittany's Traditional Longeres

The Breton Longere is a type of property typical of Brittany and is not found in such abundance in any other region of France. Below is a description of this charming and sought-after type of house and excellent example or rural architecture in France. Search online for a bargain Longere cottages for sale in Brittany. currently for sale.


Typically Breton longère property The longère is one of the most typical property types of Brittany sand north west France. It is predominantly a rural property type and is found in all four departments of Brittany. It is traditionally built in a rectangular shape. The name means long house if translated into English. Traditionally each longere was given a local Breton name when it was built.
  • The longere is traditionally oriented with the back of the house facing the dominant wind direction. Similarly to other traditional properties in France, regional materials were often used to build a Longere. Granite is typically used in the construction of Longeres throughout Brittany.
  • Many longères only offer single storey accommodation. The attic is often converted into a first floor accommodation to increase the total living area available. Originally, the stairs used to access that attic were located outside the main part of the Longere house.
  • Longere houses are not only common in Brittany but also found in Normandy, Aquitaine, and other areas of western France, particularily in the Pays de la Loire.
  • The “maison longère”, or longère, is definitely typical of Brittany’s rural architecture. In most cases, a longere is a rural house or dwelling and is a common sight across the Breton countryside.
  • Breton Longeres often have thatched or slated roofs.
  • One particularity of Longères is that all the outbuildings are laid out in a row. Thus there is no real farmyard or courtyard area in front of the house. This a common feature that distinguishes the Longere from most other rural farm dwellings found in France.

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