Dauphiné roofs and sawtooth gables of Courtenay

The so-called Dauphiné roofs reach remarkable heights (often beyond the height of the walls). Their distnguishing feature is their very steep, 4-slope frame covered with flat fish-scale tiles.
The slightly upturned eaves slow down the fall of snow from the roof slope and protect the walls from the flow of rainwater.

A few roofs in the village have sawtooth gables* (also known as stepped gables or crow-step gables) which are typical features of the rural architecture in Bas-Dauphiné and certain parts of the Bugey region.

* A double row of stone slabs placed in a stepped design on each of the roof gables. The purpose of these slabs, sometimes called "mantels", is to protect the wall beneath from both dampness and fire (at the time of thatched roofs). For this reason, they generally overhang on either side. A flint in the shape of a sugarloaf, known as a "charveyron" stands at the top of the gable, adding an unusual, picturesque touch to the overall buliding.