maisons

Maisons is the plural of maison in French, meaning a house or dwelling. The term refers to a building designed for private habitation, ranging from cottages to larger family homes. It derives from Old French maison, itself from Latin mansio, meaning a dwelling or residence.

Different typologies exist in French-speaking regions and beyond. A maison individuelle is a detached house on its own plot; a maison jumelée is semi-detached; a maison de ville, or townhouse, shares walls with neighboring units; in rural areas, terms such as mas, ferme, or longère describe farmhouses and farm buildings. Other forms include villa and chalet, reflecting regional climates and traditions.

Construction materials vary with location. Common traditional materials include pierre (stone), bois (wood), brique, and toitures de tuiles (tile roofs) or ardoises (slate). Structural layouts may feature one or more étages (storeys), with plans that emphasize living spaces such as salon, cuisine, and chambres. Modern maisons increasingly incorporate energy efficiency, improved insulation, ventilation, and sustainable technologies.

The house serves as a private domain for family life, work, and leisure. Housing design responds to climate, geography, and social organization, influencing interior arrangements, window placements, and exterior façades. Across regions, the concept of domicile shapes architectural heritage and urban development, while contemporary trends emphasize adaptability, affordability, and sustainability.