A bit of history …

In France prior to the Revolution the keeping of pigeons was a complicated privilege restricted to the nobility in a complex hierarchical display of wealth and power.  Dovecotes were therefore usually extremely ornate and elaborate constructions designed to demonstrate social position and authority.

In addition it contributed towards the rural economy: the pigeon excrement was used as a fertilizer and the pigeon meat was a supplementary income.

Different types of dovecotes 

Dovecote "toulousain" or « pied de mulet » : rectangular building with just one slope.

Tower dovecote : adjoining the house or isolated, with a square shape.

Dovecote over arcades : over stone or brick pillars. Square, hexagonal or octogonal shape.

Balet or balcon dovecote : to protect the entrance porche from bad weather.  Usually it belongs to an important farm or castle.

Dovecote over pillars or over columns: in a square, hexagonal or octogonal shape, over 4, 6 or 8 colums.