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All France Pont-en-Royans Suspended Houses of Pont-en-Royans

Suspended Houses of Pont-en-Royans

These quaint French houses dangle precariously over a precipice.

Pont-en-Royans, France

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tracydane
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The suspended houses of Pont-en-Royans.   Toi & Moi/cc by-sa 2.0
View from the stairs up to the walkway.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
View from the river.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
Side view of the suspended houses from the street.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
View from the walkway.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
Reflections of the houses in the river.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
Overview of the river and houses.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
Street art in the town.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
View from the river.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
Paddle pool near the river.   Vrielinkie / Atlas Obscura User
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Built in the 16th century, the multi-story homes in the village of Pont-en-Royans, France, sit on top of and hang over the edge of the natural Vercors cliffs.  

It appears that the ground beneath many of the homes in this village has been eroded away, leaving them to hang perilously over thin air. But in reality, the buildings were intentionally built over the precipice.

This unusual choice was made to maximize the plateau's limited space, as the site was established to facilitate a bustling wood trade. Now, the community sees most of its income from tourism, as people from around the world flock to the tiny town to witness the audaciously pendulous architecture.

Related Tags

Cliffs Architecture Architectural Oddities

Know Before You Go

Follow road signs to Pont en Royans. The best view of the houses is from the D518. The published coordinates take you to the best viewing point.

Community Contributors

Added By

tracydane

Edited By

MagnumPI, EricGrundhauser, Vrielinkie

  • MagnumPI
  • EricGrundhauser
  • Vrielinkie

Published

September 26, 2013

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Sources
  • http://www.moulin-piongo.com/37-69-168-suspended-village-pont-royans-55km.html
  • http://travel.michelin.com/web/destination/France-French_Alps-Pont_en_Royans
Suspended Houses of Pont-en-Royans
Quai de Bourne
Pont-en-Royans, 38680
France
45.060568, 5.34411
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