Old washhouse of La Chaize-le-Vicomte in La Chaize-le-Vicomte

About Us
Visit
Prices
Your Contact Details

The Old Washhouse of La Chaize-le-Vicomte: An authentic testimony to local heritage

Located in the heart of La Chaize-le-Vicomte, the Vieux Lavoir is a true testament to the town's past and daily life in the past. Built in 1874, this washhouse is one of the last examples of the region's traditional washhouse architecture, a place where locals once came to wash their clothes, often in difficult conditions.

The washhouse consists of a large U-shaped courtyard, open to the south, surrounding a rectangular basin measuring approximately 9 meters by 15 meters. The tiled roof, which extends over the basin like an awning, was designed to protect the washerwomen from the sun and bad weather. This basin is fed by the Lignageau stream, whose source, known as the Aumônerie stream, is renowned for its medicinal properties and remains unaltered, even during the most severe droughts.

Until the late 1960s, this washhouse was a central meeting and work place for locals, especially for the women known as "washers," who performed this arduous work, even in winter. Today, the washhouse continues to be a symbol of La Chaize-le-Vicomte's living heritage, preserving the memory of this era and offering visitors a journey into the past.

The Old Washhouse of La Chaize-le-Vicomte is open to the public throughout the year, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the history of this place. Visits are self-guided, but for a more enriching experience, guided tours are also available for groups. These tours provide an in-depth look at the history of the washhouse and its role in the life of the town.