French Property & Construction Glossary: 50 Key Terms Every Property Owner Should Know

Buying or renovating property in France means encountering a whole new vocabulary.

Some terms are straightforward once you know what they mean. Others have a specific legal, technical or administrative meaning that is easy to misunderstand: particularly when you're dealing with builders, architects, estate agents, electricians, plumbers or French local authorities.

For international property owners, understanding the terminology can make it much easier to read a devis, compare contractors, understand renovation documents and ask the right questions before work begins.

This glossary explains 50 commonly encountered French property and construction terms in plain English.

Important: Some French construction and property terms have precise legal meanings. The explanations below are intended as a practical guide for property owners and should not be treated as formal legal or technical advice.

A: French Property & Construction Terms

1. Acompte

An acompte is a payment made in advance towards a contract.

Unlike arrhes, an acompte generally represents a firm commitment by both parties to proceed with the contract. The amount and payment schedule should be clearly stated in the contractual documents.

English: Deposit / advance payment

2. ABF: Architecte des Bâtiments de France

The Architecte des Bâtiments de France (ABF) is involved in protecting France's architectural and heritage environment.

The ABF may have a role in applications for works affecting protected heritage areas, including certain areas around historic monuments and Sites patrimoniaux remarquables.

If you own an older property, particularly in a historic town or village, it is worth checking whether specific heritage controls apply before changing windows, roofs, façades or other external features.

English: French heritage architect / heritage authority

3. Assainissement

Assainissement refers to wastewater and sewage treatment.

A property may be connected to the public sewer system (assainissement collectif) or use an individual wastewater system (assainissement non collectif or ANC).

This is particularly important when buying rural property, where an individual sanitation system may require inspection, maintenance or upgrading.

English: Wastewater / sanitation system

4. Architecte

An architecte is an architect responsible for architectural design and, depending on the contract, other aspects of a construction or renovation project.

An architect should not automatically be confused with a maître d'œuvre. The two roles can overlap in some projects, but they are not interchangeable terms.

English: Architect

5. Arrhes

Arrhes are a payment made when entering into a contract that can allow the parties to withdraw under the applicable legal rules.

This is different from an acompte. If a payment is described as arrhes, the consequences of cancelling can differ from those applying to an acompte.

Always check exactly what your contract says before making a substantial payment.

English: Deposit with withdrawal rights

B: Building & Renovation Terms

6. Bâti ancien

Bâti ancien means an older or traditional building.

In renovation discussions, the term is particularly relevant because older French buildings can have very different construction methods and moisture behaviour from modern buildings.

A stone farmhouse, for example, may require a different approach to insulation, ventilation, pointing and plasterwork than a modern house.

English: Traditional / older building

7. Béton

Béton means concrete.

It is widely used in French construction for foundations, slabs, structural elements and other applications.

When renovating an older property, the appropriate use of concrete depends on the existing construction and the particular structural requirements of the project.

English: Concrete

8. Bon pour accord

Bon pour accord is a commonly used phrase meaning approximately "agreed" or "approved".

You may see it handwritten or included alongside a date and signature when accepting a devis.

The important point is that acceptance of a quote can create a contractual commitment. Do not sign a devis until you understand its scope, price, payment terms and exclusions.

English: Approved / agreed

9. Bornage

Bornage is the formal demarcation of property boundaries.

A géomètre-expert may be involved in establishing or documenting the boundary between neighbouring properties.

This can become important when planning extensions, walls, fences, access arrangements or other works close to a property boundary.

English: Formal boundary survey / demarcation

C: Construction Terms

10. Charpente

Charpente refers to the structural framework of a roof, traditionally often made from timber.

When buying an old French property, inspecting the charpente can be particularly important. Signs of woodworm, rot, movement or previous alterations may indicate the need for specialist assessment.

English: Roof structure / timber roof frame

11. Chaux

Chaux means lime and is widely used in traditional French building.

Lime-based mortars and renders can be appropriate for certain traditional masonry because their properties can be compatible with older permeable construction.

However, "use lime everywhere" is not a safe rule. The existing wall construction, exposure, moisture conditions and previous repairs should be considered before choosing a mortar or render.

English: Lime

12. Cloison

A cloison is an internal partition wall.

Unlike a structural wall (mur porteur), a conventional partition does not normally carry the structural loads of the building.

Before removing or modifying any wall, however, its construction and structural role should be properly established.

English: Internal partition wall

13. Couverture

Couverture refers to the roof covering or roofing work.

Depending on the building, this may involve tiles, slate, zinc or other roofing materials.

A couvreur is the specialist responsible for roofing work.

English: Roofing / roof covering

14. Couvreur

A couvreur is a roofing specialist.

Depending on their skills and declared activities, a roofer may work with traditional tiles, slate, zinc, lead or other roofing systems.

For significant roofing work, check the contractor's experience and the insurance documentation relevant to the work being proposed.

English: Roofer

D: French Property Documents & Payments

15. DPE: Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique

The DPE is France's energy performance assessment for a property.

It provides an energy-performance rating and information about energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions.

DPE information is an important consideration when buying or renting a property and can also help identify potential renovation priorities.

English: Energy performance certificate

16. Devis

A devis is a formal quotation or offer from a professional setting out proposed work and its price.

For building and home-improvement work, it normally provides important information about the contractor, work to be carried out, quantities, prices, VAT, timing and other terms.

Once properly accepted, a devis can become contractually binding. Read our complete guide to Understanding a French Devis.

English: Quotation / estimate

17. Dommages-ouvrage

Assurance dommages-ouvrage is a type of construction insurance designed to facilitate compensation for certain qualifying damage covered by the ten-year liability system, without waiting for responsibility to be finally determined.

For relevant construction projects, the property owner (maître d'ouvrage) has important insurance obligations that should be considered before work begins.

English: Construction damage insurance

18. DTU: Document Technique Unifié

A DTU is a French technical standard document used in construction.

DTUs contain recognised technical rules and practices for particular types of building work.

They can be useful when discussing how work should be carried out, although their precise contractual and legal significance depends on the circumstances and contract.

English: French construction technical standard

19. État des risques

The état des risques is a property information document concerning certain environmental and other risks affecting a property.

Depending on the property and location, this can include risks such as flooding, natural hazards, radon or other regulated information.

English: Property risk report

E: Electrical & Energy Terms

20. Électricien

An électricien is an electrician.

When hiring one for significant electrical work, you should establish what work they are qualified and insured to undertake and whether any required certification or inspection applies.

English: Electrician

21. Enedis

Enedis operates much of France's electricity distribution network.

It is involved in matters relating to electricity connections, meters and the distribution network.

It is not the same organisation as your electricity supplier.

English: Electricity distribution network operator

22. Énergies renouvelables

Énergies renouvelables means renewable energy.

In French property renovation, the term can cover technologies such as heat pumps, solar photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems.

The suitability of any system depends on the property, its energy requirements and the proposed installation.

English: Renewable energy

23. Consuel

Consuel refers to the organisation responsible for checking electrical installations against applicable safety requirements and issuing certificates of conformity in relevant circumstances.

You may encounter Consuel when carrying out certain new electrical installations, substantial modifications or new connections.

It is important not to assume that every electrical job automatically requires a Consuel certificate.

English: Electrical conformity certificate / inspection body

24. PAC: Pompe à chaleur

A pompe à chaleur (PAC) is a heat pump.

Heat pumps extract heat from an external source, such as the air or ground, and transfer it into a building.

Their suitability depends on factors including insulation, heat loss, emitters, climate and the design of the existing heating system.

English: Heat pump

F: French Renovation Terms

25. Façade

A façade is an exterior face of a building.

Renovation work can include cleaning, rendering, repainting, repointing, insulation or repair of external features.

Planning or heritage restrictions may apply to changes affecting the external appearance.

English: Façade / exterior wall

26. Facture

A facture is an invoice issued for goods or services.

For renovation work, invoices should be retained alongside devis, payment records, insurance documents and other project documentation.

This paperwork can become particularly valuable if you later need to demonstrate what work was carried out and by whom.

English: Invoice

27. Fosse septique

A fosse septique is a term commonly used by property owners to describe an individual wastewater treatment system.

Technically, modern French terminology generally refers to assainissement non collectif (ANC) and different types of treatment systems can be used.

If buying a rural property, check the sanitation arrangements and relevant inspection documentation rather than assuming that a property has a conventional "septic tank".

English: Septic tank / individual wastewater system

28. Gouttière

A gouttière is a gutter used to collect rainwater from a roof.

Poorly functioning gutters and downpipes can contribute to water penetration and damp problems, particularly around older masonry.

English: Gutter

29. Gros œuvre

Gros œuvre refers broadly to the major structural elements of a building.

This can include foundations, structural walls, floors and structural roof elements.

It is generally distinguished from second œuvre, which covers many of the finishing and internal services.

English: Structural works / shell construction

30. Second œuvre

Second œuvre refers to work carried out after the principal structural elements of a building are in place.

It can include insulation, internal partitions, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and many finishing works.

English: Secondary works / finishing and building services

M: People & Project Management

31. Maçon

A maçon is a masonry or building contractor.

Depending on their specialisms, a maçon may work on walls, foundations, structural masonry, stonework, rendering and other building tasks.

For traditional properties, experience with local stone and appropriate repair techniques can be particularly valuable.

English: Mason / building contractor

32. Maître d'œuvre

A maître d'œuvre (MOE) is a professional responsible for some or all aspects of the design, coordination, direction or control of a construction project, depending on the agreed mission.

The role is not simply another word for architect. Under Article L2431-1 of the French Public Procurement Code, a maître d'œuvre provides architectural, technical and economic assistance and coordinates contractors throughout the project.

English: Project manager / project designer and coordinator

33. Maître d'ouvrage

The maître d'ouvrage (MOA) is the person or organisation for whom the construction or renovation project is being carried out.

For a private house renovation, this will normally be the property owner.

The maître d'ouvrage should not be confused with the maître d'œuvre, who may be appointed to provide project design and management services.

English: Client / project owner

34. Main d'œuvre

Main d'œuvre means labour.

On a devis, labour costs may be shown separately from materials (fournitures).

Checking both can help you understand how the total project price has been calculated.

English: Labour

35. Marché de travaux

A marché de travaux is a contract for construction or renovation work.

It establishes the relationship between the client and contractor and can define the scope of work, price, timing, payment arrangements and other contractual conditions.

English: Works contract / construction contract

36. Mur porteur

A mur porteur is a load-bearing wall.

It forms part of the structural system of a building and should not be removed, opened or substantially altered without appropriate assessment.

This is particularly important in older properties where the structural arrangement may not be obvious.

English: Load-bearing wall

P: Planning, Property & Professional Terms

37. Permis de construire

A permis de construire is a planning permission for certain types of construction or alteration.

Whether one is required depends on the nature and scale of the proposed work and the planning rules applicable to the property.

Do not assume that all renovation work is exempt from planning controls.

English: Building permit / planning permission

38. PLU: Plan Local d'Urbanisme

The Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU) is a local planning document.

It sets planning rules for land and buildings within the relevant commune or intercommunal area.

The PLU can influence matters such as extensions, new construction, external appearance, boundaries, parking and other development requirements.

English: Local planning framework

39. Ravalement

Ravalement refers broadly to renovation or restoration work to a building's façade.

Depending on the project, it can include cleaning, repairs, repointing, rendering or repainting.

The term does not necessarily mean simply "cleaning a wall".

English: Façade renovation

40. RGE: Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement

RGE stands for Reconnu Garant de l'Environnement.

It is a French qualification/certification framework for professionals carrying out certain energy-efficiency or renewable-energy work.

RGE status can be relevant when a property owner wants to access particular public financial assistance schemes, but RGE does not mean that every renovation contractor must be RGE, nor does it automatically guarantee workmanship.

Always check the requirements of the particular grant or scheme and whether the contractor's qualification covers the work concerned.

English: Recognised environmental professional qualification

41. Réception des travaux

Réception des travaux is the formal acceptance of completed works by the client.

It is an important stage in a construction project because it can have significant consequences for contractual and legal guarantees.

The reception can take place with or without reservations.

English: Formal handover / acceptance of works

42. Réserves

Réserves are defects, unfinished work or other issues noted when works are accepted.

They should be recorded clearly at the appropriate stage rather than relying on an informal conversation with the contractor.

English: Reservations / defects noted at handover

43. RNE: Registre national des entreprises

The Registre national des entreprises (RNE) is France's national business register.

It replaced several previous registration systems and provides a central framework for business registration information.

When checking a French contractor, the RNE and other official business information can be useful alongside the company's SIRET number.

English: National Business Register

44. SIREN

The SIREN is a unique nine-digit identifier assigned to a French business entity.

It forms the first nine digits of a SIRET number.

English: 9-digit company identifier

45. SIRET

The SIRET is a 14-digit identifier for an establishment of a French business.

It consists of the nine-digit SIREN followed by a five-digit establishment identifier known as the NIC.

A SIRET check can help confirm that you are dealing with an identifiable registered establishment, but a valid SIRET does not by itself prove that a contractor is experienced, properly insured or suitable for your particular project. Read our detailed guide to how to check a French artisan's SIRET.

English: 14-digit establishment identifier

T: Traditional French Building Terms

46. Tuiles canal

Tuiles canal are traditional curved, channel-shaped terracotta roof tiles commonly associated with parts of southern and southwestern France.

They are particularly characteristic of traditional buildings in many areas of Southwest France.

However, roofing materials vary by region and property, and planning or heritage rules may influence which materials can be used.

English: Traditional curved terracotta roof tiles

47. Tuiles plates

Tuiles plates are flat clay roof tiles.

They are particularly common in parts of northern and central France, although roofing traditions vary considerably from one region to another.

English: Flat roof tiles

V: Insurance & Verification

48. Garantie décennale

The garantie décennale relates to the contractor's ten-year civil liability for certain qualifying construction defects.

It is not a general guarantee covering every problem with a renovation. The statutory regime applies to damage meeting specific legal conditions, including damage that compromises the solidity of the work or makes it unsuitable for its intended purpose.

Where the contractor's décennale liability can apply, appropriate insurance is required under French law. Read our complete Garantie Décennale insurance guide.

Before work begins, property owners should check that the insurance documentation corresponds to the contractor, the relevant activities and the applicable period.

English: Ten-year construction liability / décennale insurance

49. Responsabilité civile professionnelle: RC Pro

Responsabilité civile professionnelle (RC Pro) is professional liability insurance.

It is distinct from décennale insurance.

RC Pro may cover certain forms of damage or liability arising from professional activities, depending on the policy. It should not be assumed to provide the same protection as décennale insurance.

English: Professional liability insurance

50. TVA

TVA is France's value-added tax.

The standard rate is generally 20%, while reduced rates can apply to certain qualifying work under specific conditions (10% and 5.5%).

For renovation projects, do not assume that an old property automatically qualifies for a reduced rate. Eligibility can depend on the property, type of work and other conditions.

A good devis should make the applicable VAT treatment clear.

English: VAT: Value Added Tax

Five French Construction Terms You Should Know Before Hiring an Artisan

If you are an international property owner, you do not need to memorise the entire French construction vocabulary.

However, these five terms are particularly useful:

Devis

Understand exactly what work is included, what it costs and what is excluded before you sign.

SIRET

Use the contractor's SIRET to help verify the identity and registration of the business.

Garantie décennale

For relevant construction work, check the contractor's insurance documentation and whether it corresponds to the work being proposed.

Acompte

Understand whether a payment is an acompte or arrhes and what the contract says about cancellation and payment.

Réception des travaux

Do not treat project completion as an informal event. Formal acceptance of the works can have important consequences for guarantees and defects.

French Construction Vocabulary: A Quick Reference

Why Understanding the Terminology Matters

French property renovation becomes much easier when you understand the language used by the people working on your project.

You don't need to become fluent in technical French. But knowing the difference between an acompte and arrhes, a maître d'ouvrage and maître d'œuvre, or a SIRET and garantie décennale can help you ask better questions and avoid costly misunderstandings.

For international homeowners, the most useful approach is to combine clear communication with sensible due diligence.

Check the business. Understand the devis. Verify the relevant insurance. Make sure the proposed work is clearly described. And where a project is complex, consider whether you need an architect, maître d'œuvre or other professional to coordinate the work.

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You can describe what you need in English or French and find businesses relevant to your project.

Verification information can help with your initial due diligence, but it should always be combined with your own checks, references and assessment of the contractor's suitability.

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