What is a corps de logis?
A corps de logis is the main building of a larger architectural complex, such as a palace, manor house or castle. The French term literally means “living body”. The corps de logis contains the principal rooms and forms the central, most representative part of the complex.
Characteristics
- Central position — it stands at the centre of the complex, often opposite the entrance gate
- Representative — the façade is more elaborate than those of the ancillary buildings
- Multi-storey — usually taller than the connecting wings
- Symmetry — the corps de logis is almost always symmetrically arranged around a central axis
Applications
- Palaces — Versailles has an imposing corps de logis with side wings
- Manor houses — a main house flanked by coach houses and outbuildings
- Castles — the main building stands apart from towers, gatehouses and service buildings
- Town palaces — urban palaces often feature a corps de logis fronted by a cour d’honneur
Relationship with wings
The side wings projecting forward from the corps de logis typically enclose a courtyard of honour (cour d’honneur). This U-shaped layout is characteristic of French palace architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Related terms
- Manor house
- Architectural style
- Arcade
- Renaissance
- Palace
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