l’œil de boeuf – the oh-so-French window

by Sharon Santoni
The French term ‘œil de boeuf’ literally means ‘bulls eye’, but in architecture refers to the round or oval window most often found peeking out of a slate grey roof.
My favourite œil de boeuf are zinc, sometimes simple and sometimes gloriously ornate, with motifs such as this oak wreath.
[blank]
[blank]
 There are country versions of the window too, more modest, less imposing but just as French and equally charming.
[blank]
[blank]
[blank]
I love this shot with the curtains behind, makes you wonder what sweet room is hidden here.

In Paris if you walk around with your nose in the air as much as I do, you’ll spot œil de boeuf carved into the stone facades.

[blank]
or in symmetrical rows
Tomorrow I’ll show you some great ways to use œil de boeuf indoors, and tell you where you can buy the real thing!
[blank]
[blank]

28 comments

Design is... All in the Detail February 28, 2012 - 2:37 pm

OOOOOOOOOhhhhhhhhhhhhh -One of my favorites! I'll take two, please! Beautiful post. Thanks so much – Have a terrific Tuesday!

Reply
marty (A Stroll Thru Life) February 28, 2012 - 3:07 pm

Oh these are all fabulous. Love them. Hugs, Marty

Reply
petra February 28, 2012 - 3:20 pm

They are beautiful.
Can't wait for your next post!!

Have a nice day Petra,

Reply
Mark D. Ruffner February 28, 2012 - 3:44 pm

An inspiring post — I would love to have the one with the two cherubs at my house!

Reply
Passionedeco...perchè le case hanno un'anima February 28, 2012 - 4:04 pm

I felt in love with oeil de boeuf windows during mon voyage en Normandie!
They're so so charming!

Fra

Reply
I Dream Of February 28, 2012 - 4:06 pm

One of those little details that makes France so beautiful. Thanks for taking us on this lovely architectural stroll.

Reply
La Brocanteuse February 28, 2012 - 4:21 pm

WOW love these…we do not get to see them a lot here in South Africa, and if …there is normally a waiting list and it is just on display really….
one day i hope to have one…..
you got me into Pinterest….!!!
Colx

Reply
French Girl in Seattle February 28, 2012 - 4:42 pm

Ah, l'oeil de boeuf– Congratulations on your spelling, by the way 😉 This is so challenging to pronounce for English speakers that I use the expression in my "pronunciation sessions" with my French students. Most hate it with a passion 😉 The shape is nice, though, and your photos do it justice. Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

Reply
Gatsbys Gardens February 28, 2012 - 5:53 pm

These are great, now I know what they are called!

Eileen

Reply
Amy February 28, 2012 - 6:28 pm

We must be fascinated by the same things – Along with my zillions of shutter and door photos, I also have an equal number of unique window photos from my travels in France! I always dream that I would have a bedroom – or a harp – behind one of those beautiful round windows…

Reply
WhiteWhispers2u February 28, 2012 - 6:30 pm

Fabulousness! The French sure do know how to make doors and windows~Cheers Kim

Reply
PURA VIDA February 28, 2012 - 6:39 pm

Such wonderful photos!

Reply
Cynthia February 28, 2012 - 6:41 pm

These are fantastic. I love them and would love one of them for my home big time.

Reply
BeezRentalDesigns February 28, 2012 - 7:35 pm

First I just have to say, thank you so much for starting a blog! I love everything french but especially French Country; think it has something to do with my great-grandfather being french. I so love these pictures but my favorite is the cottage with the wisteria growing on the wall . . . awesome. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your world and my dream.
By the way, I'm a new follower and hope you find the time to return the favor! I just started a party: Frugal Treasures Tuesday!
Barbe

Reply
Diane James Home February 28, 2012 - 8:27 pm

I've always loved this type of window but never knew there were so many styles – thank you for sharing these bird's eye views of bulls' eyes! I can see one transformed into a beautiful mirror for my home. Thanks for sharing, Cynthia

Reply
Lorrie February 28, 2012 - 8:51 pm

I have a small collection of photos from France of l'oeil de boeuf windows. I love them. I'm looking forward to seeing what you're going to tell us tomorrow. A teaser post, that's what this is!

Reply
Marielle February 28, 2012 - 11:29 pm

Lovely. I need at least one somewhere on our house. Thank you.

Reply
Kim @ La Belle Époque February 28, 2012 - 11:40 pm

I loved this post. Pure eye candy and so informational. I've always thought these windows were great!

Reply
Magnolia Verandah February 29, 2012 - 2:02 am

Love this style with the mirror – can't wait to se what you have for indoors.

Reply
Betsy February 29, 2012 - 2:07 am

omg…I want one of those…any will do! ha.

Reply
Sarah February 29, 2012 - 3:03 am

Fabulous collection of images, Sharon. I've always been intrigued with these windows. Love the shape. ~ sarah

Reply
Alba February 29, 2012 - 8:04 am

Bonne idée pour ce billet, je suis votre blog avec intérêt.

Have a nice day.

Reply
oh-my-home February 29, 2012 - 5:38 pm

I saw the mirror with this shape when I was shopping, and I thought: wow! I want this! But, after a while: well, it' s very big, too hard and I' m quit.
Until now I regret that I haven't bought it!
marta from ohmyhome.pl

Reply
Malou March 1, 2012 - 12:28 am

STUN …NING! I dream of one…what a beautiful piece of our French heritage. Can someone post one to me in Australia….lol

Reply
The enchanted home March 1, 2012 - 1:02 am

In love with this entire post and am bookmarking it;..now I am off to visit their blog. Totally droolworthy, Sharon!

Reply
Mac May 14, 2012 - 7:01 pm

Many more homeowners are interested in window replacement to cut down on the cost of energy and make their home much more energy efficient. They also want their windows replaced to eliminate those chilly winter drafts and prevent their cool air from leaking out in the summer.

Replacement Windows Massachusetts

Reply
Phoenix August 4, 2012 - 3:19 pm

i also have some tips and great articles about Home desings. feel free to visit my website also.
home improvement advise

Reply
Mario F August 7, 2023 - 5:50 pm

If you have classic windows, then you can wash them quite simply and quickly. At the same time, there are houses with really non-standard windows, including panoramic windows. In such cases, I prefer to contact the cleaning company. Among those companies that I applied to, I can advise this option. The site has all the information about services and prices, so check the site if necessary

Reply

Leave a Comment