Why Do French Houses Have Shutters? 🇫🇷🪟
(Hint: They’re not just for decoration!)
If you’ve ever walked through a French town or driven through the countryside, you’ve probably noticed something striking:
almost every house has shutters. Real ones. Not the fake decorative kind nailed to the wall like you see in some other countries.
But why? Are they for style? Security? History?
Let’s break down this charming — and very practical — feature of French homes.
🔹 First, What Are “Volets”?
In French, shutters are called volets — and they come in two main forms:
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Volets battants: traditional wooden shutters that swing open and closed
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Volets roulants: modern rolling shutters, often made of metal or PVC
Both types serve multiple purposes… and yes, the French really do use them every day.
🔸 1. To Keep Out the Sun ☀️
France, especially in the south, can get very hot in summer. Many French homes don’t have air conditioning, so shutters help block out the heat during the day.
People close the shutters in the morning, keep windows open behind them for airflow, and open everything again in the evening once it cools down.
It’s an energy-saving habit that’s deeply part of the culture.
🔸 2. For Privacy and Darkness 😴
French shutters are fully functional — meaning they can make a room pitch dark, even at noon. This is perfect for:
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Taking midday naps (a French classic 😴)
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Sleeping in without being woken by the sunrise
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Getting real privacy, especially on street-level windows
🔸 3. For Insulation 🔥❄️
In winter, shutters help keep heat inside by adding a layer between the cold glass and the warm room.
In summer, they block sunlight and help keep the house cool.
They’re a simple but effective form of natural insulation.
🔸 4. For Security 🔐
Closed shutters — especially volets roulants — act as an extra barrier against break-ins.
Some French people even automate their shutters to close at a certain time or when they leave the house.
It’s not just traditional — it’s practical.
🔸 5. Because It’s the Law (Sometimes!) 📜
In many regions of France, building regulations or historical preservation rules require homes to maintain their traditional look — including shutters.
In older villages or classified towns (villes classées), you’re not allowed to install plastic or fake shutters. Real ones are part of the architectural heritage.
🔹 A Bit of Cultural Insight
The daily rhythm of opening and closing shutters is almost ritualistic in French life. It’s part of:
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Starting and ending the day
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Keeping a home cool or cozy
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Marking privacy and boundaries
You might even hear someone say:
“N’oublie pas de fermer les volets !”
(“Don’t forget to close the shutters!”)
🔹 What About Modern Homes?
Even in modern French apartments or homes, volets roulants are very common. They’re sleek, secure, and often controlled by a switch or remote.
So while the style of shutters may evolve, the habit stays the same.
🗨️ Final Thoughts
French shutters aren’t just cute — they’re functional, cultural, and smart.
They reflect a lifestyle that values:
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Energy efficiency
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Daily rhythms
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Home comfort
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A touch of tradition
So next time you visit France and see someone closing their shutters in the afternoon, don’t be surprised — they’re just living the French way.