Le pigeonnier d'Esclottes

This dovecote dates from the 17th century. It was part of the house nearby, which is now communal property. In the Middle Ages, pigeon houses were very popular : they were an important source of income (meat and pigeon droppings). They were installed wherever wheat, flax and hemp were cultivated, as these lands required fertilizers. The pigeon house was often made of stone and plastered with lime. On the outside, the dormer window is the only opening that lets in air, light and pigeons. The flight deck, located on the opposite side of the building from the prevailing wind, is built to allow the birds to land before entering the loft or taking flight. Inside, the walls are covered with lime to reflect the little light that passes through the few openings. The boulins, niches dug in the wall or the baskets are used as shelters for the eggs.