The region of Alsace is divided into seven areas and the architectural features of the houses in each of these areas are different. Houses from the Sundgau (to the South) are very colourful but less elaborate while those from the foothills of the Vosges (along the Alsace Wine Route) boast monumental porches and rich ornamentation. These differences are due to the use of the buildings: for animal breeding, agriculture or viniculture.