Vieux lavoir de La Chaize-le-Vicomte

The Vieux Lavoir in La Chaize-le-Vicomte: An authentic example of local heritage

Located in the heart of La Chaize-le-Vicomte, the Vieux Lavoir is a true testament to the town's past and to everyday life in the past. Built in 1874, this washhouse is one of the last remaining examples of traditional washhouse architecture in the region, a place where people used to come 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 metres by 15 metres. The tiled roof, which overhangs the basin like a canopy, was designed to protect the washerwomen from the sun and bad weather. The basin is fed by the Lignageau stream, whose source, known as the Aumônerie, is renowned for its medicinal properties and remains unaltered, even during the most severe droughts.

Until the end of the 1960s, this washhouse was a central meeting place and place of work for the residents, particularly for the women known as "laveuses", who carried out 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 that era and offering visitors a journey into the past.

The Vieux Lavoir in La Chaize-le-Vicomte is open to the public all year round, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the history of this place. Visits are free, 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 community.