Manoir's Name: What's the Deal with French Manor Houses?

The French manor house…it’s an iconic symbol of luxury and elegance, and one that has been around for centuries. Have you ever wondered what the deal is with these grand and impressive structures? How did they come to be, and what makes them so special? Well, wonder no more! In this blog, we’re going to take a closer look: from the impressive architecture to the exquisite interiors, there’s so much to explore. So let’s get started!

The French manor house, or Manoir, is an iconic symbol of the country’s rich history and culture. From the grand chateaux of the Loire Valley to the elegant townhouses in Paris, these homes are renowned for their exquisite interiors and timeless designs. The interior style of these dwellings reflects centuries-old traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation, reflecting a unique combination of luxury and comfort.

At its core, French manor houses feature large rooms with high ceilings and intricate woodwork or plaster detailing on walls and ceilings with ornate fireplaces and luxurious furnishings.

The interiors reflect the tastes of the wealthy classes who originally owned them; think sumptuous fabrics like velvet curtains hung against painted wood paneling or gilded furniture pieces mixed with antiques for a truly opulent look. Furnishings often include antiques such as Louis XV chairs or tables, gilt mirrors, marble fireplaces, oriental rugs and tapestries, while chandeliers added extra drama to any room they graced. These elements combine to create a luxurious atmosphere that embodies the elegance associated with the French bourgeoisie. Below, photos from Brussels gallery owner Flore de Brantes's ancestral home in the Loire Valley, as featured in Architectural Digest in 2016.

If you’re looking for examples of this style in action then there are some excellent places to visit around France! Let's take a look:

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte near Paris:

This 17th century Baroque castle was designed by renowned architect Louis Le Vau for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet who wanted to build something bigger than even Versailles! It features lavishly decorated rooms filled with period furniture and artworks from around Europe including paintings by Rubens & Van Dyck plus exquisite marble sculptures & tapestries from Italy & Flanders. Not to be missed are the exquisite gardens designed by André Le Nôtre; —it’s definitely worth visiting if you want a taste of true luxury!

Château de Chenonceau in Loire Valley:

One of France’s most famous castles is also known as “Château des Dames” (Ladies' Castle) due its long history of being managed by female owners including Catherine de Medici who turned it into her own personal pleasure palace during her reign from 1547–1559. Inside you'll find lavish interiors featuring frescoes & tapestries commissioned directly from Italian artists plus beautifully landscaped gardens complete with flower beds & topiary trees—truly an amazing sight not be missed out on a trip through France!

Château d'Écouen:

In Normandy, meanwhile, there’s Château d'Écouen. This fine example of French Renaissance architecture was inaugurated in 1555, after only 18 years of work! Located in the heart of a large forest, well-stocked with game, it has since 1977 housed the national museum of the Renaissance. The collections include an exceptional array of decorative arts, paintings and sculpture from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Visitors can admire 16th century décor featuring gold leafed boiseries (wood paneling) along with paintings by Rubens alongside other works by famous artists such as Delacroix or Fragonard.

Château de Bagnols:

Finally, if you are looking to stay on one of these opulent manoir, we suggest the Château de Bagnols. It doesn't get much more authentic than this: a 13th-century château hotel in the heart of the Beaujolais countryside among the forests, vineyards, and rolling green hills of the southeast of France. Filled with antique furniture, artworks, and lavish décor, the hotel was lovingly restored by an English couple, Helen and Paul Hamlyn, who discovered the disused property in 1987 and spent four years meticulously renovating the place.

So there you have it! Now you know more about France's Manoir and where our name came from! French manor houses offer a fascinating insight into how one nation's aristocracy lived during different eras - making them essential destinations for anyone interested in exploring Europe's interiors and architectural heritage first hand. Until next time!