BACHAMBRE LAVOIR

A 19th century lavoir in the heart of the village.

 

 

The use of lavoirs...

The lavoir, or wash house, on rue de Bachambre can be dated through its construction to the end of the 19th century. It is supplied by an impluvium, a system for capturing and storing rainwater gathered using a double sloped roof, held up by wooden pillars.
Closed on three sides, it is composed of a basin with two tubs, one for washing, the other for rinsing, as well as washing stones on both sides. This lavoir is similar in construction to the Mathurine lavoir on rue de l’Église.

 

 

… continued until the 20th century

Some lavoirs even included a chimney, for gathering ash used as a bleaching agent. The use of lavoirs gradually diminished over the course of the 20th century with the arrival of running water and household appliances in homes.