The Washhouse on Avenue Des Poilus

Almost every Provencal village has a lavoir or washhouse.
The washhouses have their own history, dating back to the 19th century, reflecting the challenges of pandemics at the time, which alone in Europe killed more than 5 million people in the 19th century.

This washhouse was originally built in 1811, renovated several times, and its current appearance dates from 1861.

It is a long covered washhouse that received water from Fontaine du Lavoir right next to it. 

A long channel channels the water over a distance of about 10 meters. The sides of the channel are slightly sloping inward, so the water from the laundry ran back into the channel.

It is said that there was always a struggle for the best spots along the channel. Those closest to the top enjoyed the cleanest water, while those at the bottom at the bottom had to be satisfied with water that was dirty from them higher up.

The washhouses were often located a bit isolated on the outskirts of the town center, and today many are fully preserved as cultural monuments of the hygiene challenges of the past. 

Read about the history of the washhouses here. 

By Tommy Sverre / 2020