French Parquet Flooring for U.S. Projects: Versailles, Herringbone, and Baton Rompu in Reclaimed Oak
French parquet flooring is solid wood flooring, typically reclaimed oak, arranged in traditional patterns such as Versailles panels, herringbone (point de Hongrie), or baton rompu. Each pattern is prepared in a French workshop, often to specific dimensions, so a quote for a U.S. project can include measurements in both centimeters and inches.
What Makes Parquet “French”: Reclaimed Oak and Traditional Patterns
Our hardwood flooring is not an imitation: it is made from genuine planks salvaged from old houses, country homes in various regions of France, and historic buildings, which are then prepared for installation. At Provence Matériaux Anciens, this preparation takes place in our woodworking shop in Comps, in the Gard department of southern France.
We specialize in restoring old oak parquet and always maintain a large inventory of antique parquet, so we can meet the needs of every project. Our parquet is made of oak; antique fir, in a light shade, is also available in planks. Depending on the style, you can choose a pattern (Versailles, herringbone, baton rompu) or plain planks, which we’ll cover below.
Versailles panels, herringbone, or baton rompu: Which pattern is right for your room?
Versailles panels
The Versailles parquet It comes in panels. Ours is crafted from antique oak boards: the old boards are reworked and assembled to recreate the traditional Versailles parquet. Each panel measures 98 x 98 cm (about 38.6 x 38.6 in) and is 2 cm (about 0.8 in) thick, adding authenticity and elegance to interiors.
Herringbone (Hungarian stitch)
The oak herringbone parquet (Hungarian pattern), also known as "chevron parquet" in French, is a flooring pattern that is both unique and classic: it is the traditional parquet of the Haussmann era. It is crafted in our woodworking shop. Our honey finish is achieved through a surface treatment of the reclaimed boards, which produces light tones.
This parquet is custom-made and is always in stock. To compare the three patterns, you can also read our article on herringbone, chevron, and Hungarian-pattern parquet flooring.
Broken Stick
The broken-end parquet is made of identical strips laid at right angles to one another. This laying style is more recent than herringbone and evokes the charm of the bourgeois homes of the past. Ours is crafted from reclaimed old wood in our workshop; for a more modern look, choose the lighter honey oak finish. It is made to measure.
Reclaimed oak or fir: Choosing the Wood for Your Project
If you prefer boards to a pattern, our antique oak flooring is prepared for installation in our workshop. The boards average 100 to 250 cm in length (about 39 to 98 in), 10 to 25 cm wide (about 4 to 10 in) and 2 to 2.5 cm thick (about 0.8 to 1 in), in three finishes: honey oak, brushed and sanded. They can be installed as flooring or used as ceiling panels.
The antique fir flooring, reclaimed from old buildings, is light in color. Its boards average 150 to 360 cm in length (about 59 to 142 in), 10 to 35 cm in width (about 4 to 14 in), and 2 to 2.5 cm in thickness; sizes vary from one batch to another. It is used for both floors and ceilings.
Finally, our antique wood parquet This 18th-century oak flooring is solid parquet with a patina developed over the years. It can be installed in the “échelle” (ladder) style or the “à l’anglaise” (English) style, and its dimensions vary with each shipment of stock.
Finishes and tones: from honey oak to brushed reclaimed wood
The honey finish results from a surface treatment applied to the reclaimed boards that produces lighter tones: for baton rompu, this is the finish we offer for a more modern look. The brushed finish is available on our reclaimed oak flooring, and the sanded finish on our antique oak flooring; both are ready to install. The photos on each product page show the color tones.
Ordering parquet flooring from France for a U.S. project
Our parquet is sold by quote only. Let us know the area to be covered, the pattern, and the finish you want, and our team will get back to you. Delivery to the United States is available upon request and is quoted on a case-by-case basis. If you are comparing parquet to solid wood planks, our guide on solid oak planks, antique or new will help, and our article on French oak hardwood flooring and reclaimed wood floors completes this guide.
FAQ: French Hardwood Flooring for U.S. Homeowners
Is "herringbone" the same as "chevron" on your site?
On our website, oak herringbone parquet (point de Hongrie) is also called chevron parquet: it is the same laying style, traditional of the Haussmann period.
Which pattern is better suited to a more modern interior?
Baton rompu is a more recent laying style than herringbone, and it is available in a lighter finish—honey oak—for a more modern look.
Can hardwood flooring be custom-cut?
Yes. Herringbone and baton rompu parquet are custom-made, and our workshop cuts old oak planks to size for your project.
Can antique hardwood floorboards be used on a ceiling?
Yes: our antique oak flooring can be installed as flooring or as ceiling boards, and our antique fir flooring is used on both floors and ceilings.
How do I get a quote for parquet shipped to the United States?
Please contact us with the surface, pattern, and finish you want. Delivery to the United States is available upon request, and pricing is determined on a case-by-case basis.
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