France is home to some of the most picturesque and historically rich architectural styles in the world, and while recently working in Brittany, I found myself in the middle of a delightful conversation about two of its most iconic rural homes: the chaumière and the longère. So, what exactly sets these two apart? Let’s take a whimsical stroll through the countryside and explore the charm of these timeless dwellings.

What is a Chaumière?

The term chaumière comes from the French word chaume, meaning thatch, and as you might guess, it refers to thatched-roof cottages mostly found in Normandy and Brittany. If you’ve ever imagined living in a fairy-tale, nestled in a quaint little home with wisteria draping over the doorway, chances are you were picturing a chaumière.

These enchanting homes typically feature:

• A thatched roof with deep overhangs, as if the house itself is donning a warm woolly hat.
• Thick stone or timber-framed walls, giving the home a sturdy, storybook aesthetic.
• Small, cozy interiors centered around a roaring fireplace, perfect for curling up with a good book and a cup of chocolat chaud.
• Irregularly shaped windows that add to the home’s quirky, almost magical charm.

Chaumières were originally built by farmers and rural laborers, using materials close at hand. Today, they remain highly coveted as romantic countryside retreats, many of them protected as heritage homes. With their distinctive, fairy-tale look, it’s easy to see why!

However, compared to England, where thatched-roof cottages are still widely found across counties like Devon, Dorset, and Suffolk, chaumières in France are far less common. While thatching was once a widely used roofing material, many French regions transitioned to slate or tile roofing over time. Today, chaumières are mostly found in specific areas, with restoration efforts ensuring their preservation.

One of the most famous concentrations of thatched cottages in France can be found in La Brière Regional Natural Park. This region is home to over 3,000 thatched cottages, making up nearly 60% of all thatched homes in France. The preservation of these beautiful, traditional homes has been a priority, with many still inhabited today, offering a glimpse into the country’s rural past.

Chaumière from the Parc de la Brière © A. Klose/SNAT.

What is a Longère?

A longère is another staple of French rural architecture, most commonly found in Brittany, Normandy, and the Loire Valley. Unlike the compact, whimsical chaumière, a longère is all about practical elegance. The name itself means “long house,” and these homes live up to it, stretching out gracefully across the landscape.

What makes a longère special?

• A long, narrow structure, resembling a row of quaint stone cottages fused into one.
• Sturdy stone or brick walls, with slate or tiled roofs that have weathered centuries of Breton storms.
• A linear layout, where rooms are arranged side by side, each with its own access to the outdoors—perfect for letting in that crisp countryside air.
• South-facing windows, a clever design choice to soak up as much sunlight as possible in those northern regions.

Longères were traditionally working farmhouses, sheltering both families and livestock under one roof. Today, these homes have been transformed into stunning residences that blend rustic charm with modern comfort—ideal for those who love wide open spaces and historical character.

Longère in Normandy.

Which One is Right for You?

So, do you fancy yourself waking up in a chaumière, where every morning feels like a scene from Beauty and the Beast? Or does the thought of a longère—with its grand, practical layout and timeless sophistication—speak to your soul?

If you’re seeking a cozy, storybook escape, a chaumière is your calling. But if you prefer a spacious, sunlit farmhouse with history and practicality in equal measure, the longère may be your perfect match.

Either way, both of these architectural gems offer a unique chance to own a slice of France’s past while enjoying the rolling countryside. So, which would you choose—the romantic cottage or the elegant farmhouse?