Three examples of aristocratic dwellings in Touraine (12th to 14th centuries)

The detailed study of three edifices in the southern Touraine points up a c ertain number of common architectural characteristics in residences built b y the lower and middle aristocracy or by patricians between the twelfth and the early fourteenth century. Differences in the choice of disposition and the nature of the sites have also revealed, through the implementation of distinct residential programs, three types of dwellings: the urban residenc e, the suburban residence and the rural residence, which until now have bee n little studied, save for a few exceptions.