One of today’s most popular French home designs, French Provincial, originated during the Baroque Period under the reign of Louis XIV with grand manor estates and châteaux built by French nobles. French Normandy, another popular style, reflects the half-timbered houses in Normandy and Rouen that date back to the Middle Ages.
Although architectural details change based on style, certain features are characteristic of all French-style homes.

A Stone, brick, or stucco exteriors, Two stories with high-pitched roof lines, Hipped roofs that slope down to the eaves on all four sides, Mansard roofs with two slopes on each of the four sides, Large towering chimneys, Dormers, Multi-paned windows, Round towers or gables, Curved arches and stonework on windows and doorways.