The identity of Franche-Comté lies in its specific traditional and religious architecture. Varied in style, always robust, the buildings are in harmony with the different landscapes, as are the famed Comtois bell-towers and the innumerable fountains to be found in the region.
Built to endure
There are three main styles of rural dwelling. Each is massive and with small windows: the farm house built on the plain is a large building with vast roof and half-timbered walls on a stone base; the wine grower's house is constructed in stone over a cellar, with steps leading up to it under the shelter of an overhanging roof. Finally, the higher mountain house, with its thick stone walls reinforced with « tavaillons », tiles of wood or zinc, and with a hayloft built overhead. The latter type of habitation possesses a huge pyramidal-shaped fire-place peculiar to the region known as the « tuyé ».
Enduring crowns
Having suffered considerably throughout the course of history, the « Comtois » bell-tower is today one of the emblems of the region. There are no less than 700 of them and there are no two the same, each differing in size and type of covering. Square or rectangular in shape, the construction consists of four double curved panels of roofing joined together in a clever piece of carpentry work. Covered in small tiles or « tavaillons », zinc plates, or shingles, this dome is christened « imperial style » on account of its crown-like shape. The diversity of colours and patterns has made the Comtois belltower a symbol of identity and a distinguishing feature among the villages Similarly, the 1105 handcrafted altars and altar pieces listed in the region.
Fountains to refresh the villages
Built on the initiative of the Forestry Commission in the 18th century, the great number of fountains is due to the generous hydrography of the region. Of practical use as well as convivial, they quickly became the focal points of rural life. Taking on different forms, built with or without shelters, some are designed as wash-houses or built onto the town-hall. These associations gave rise to unusual buildings such as can be found at Mailleroncourt-Saint-Pancras, Dampierre-sur-Saone or Beaujeu.
