Before water supply networks were put into service, public wash houses played a major part in the domestic and community life of a village.Until the middle of the 20th century, the “big wash” (grande buâye) took place in two stages. Washing was done at home with hot water and wood ash (the potassium carbonate it contained was a degreasing and whitening agent). Rinsing was for the next day. As this required huge quantities of running water, this often took place either in specially equipped areas along a river or in a public wash house. Then, the laundry was left to be “whitened” on hedges, washing lines or spread out on a meadow.

This wash house dates back to the first half of the 19th century. It was built in roughcast limestone blocks and covered with a slate roof. The back of the building is half buried while the front side with its square columns is on street level. Inside are four sinks. This wash house hasn’t been listed yet.