Between the Northern Vosges and the Lorraine plateau lies the hunchbacked Alsace. Its hilly landscapes are among the most preserved Alsatian territories. The old rural habitat common there is different from the half-timbered houses. The traditional farm is of block farm or Schopfus type. Families and animals live together in the same building, the width of which is often that of the family parcel. The farms, built in sandstone or limestone, often line up on a single street in the village. Open spaces form small courtyards at the front of each house, allowing socializing on the sidewalk.