Come and admire the Seneschal's house
Built in the 16th century, this Renaissance-style building marks a period when people were building features reminiscent of the Middle Ages. The main feature of this building is its tower with a suspended watchtower marking the corner of rue Gambetta. This tower is used to serve the upper floors, via a staircase with a window to illuminate it. The house is also remarkable for its decor, representing Renaissance classics such as carved plant ornaments, cherubs and medallion busts.
The house is named Maison du Sénéchal in honour of its first owner, Étienne Buffechou. He was, among other things, seneschal* and also ordinary judge of the seigneuries of Loix, and therefore of Ars, until 1647.
This is a private residence, which cannot be visited.
*A seneschal was a representative of justice during the feudal era, when French territory was divided into fiefs (or seigneuries), in the Middle Ages and at the beginning of the Renaissance. He exercised justice on behalf of the lord of his fiefdom.
The house is named Maison du Sénéchal in honour of its first owner, Étienne Buffechou. He was, among other things, seneschal* and also ordinary judge of the seigneuries of Loix, and therefore of Ars, until 1647.
This is a private residence, which cannot be visited.
*A seneschal was a representative of justice during the feudal era, when French territory was divided into fiefs (or seigneuries), in the Middle Ages and at the beginning of the Renaissance. He exercised justice on behalf of the lord of his fiefdom.
