Lavoir des Essais

The Lavoir des Essais is geographically located in the commune of Saint-Georges-de-Pointindoux, but belongs to the district of La Mothe-Achard.

Built from Moulières granite in 1866 on the banks of the Auzance, it has 5 bays, each of which could accommodate 5 washers. Inside, a chimney for boiling water and recesses in the back wall can still be seen on the right. In the past, the recesses were fitted with shelves to hold objects such as basins and soaps.

The washhouse was a place to meet and talk about local news, and the women of the village would go there to wash their clothes. Each basin had its own purpose and was reserved for local residents.

Did you know that?
The washerwomen were also known as "lavandières" or "bavasses".