The system that enables the washerwomen to be level with the water can be seen in this washhouse, built in the 15th century on the Saint Jacques branch of the Loir River in Vendôme. It is one of the rare examples of a two-story washhouse, designed exclusively for a community, in this case the Cordeliers convent. The covered part is for hanging out the wash.
Le système qui permet de descendre les lavandières au niveau de l’eau est très bien restitué sur ce lavoir à étage dit des Cordeliers construit au XVème siècle sur le bras Saint Jacques du Loir à Vendôme. C’est l’un des rares témoignages de ce type à deux niveaux, destiné exclusivement à une collectivité, en l’occurrence une congrégation religieuse. L’étage au-dessus sert à étendre le linge.
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4 replies on “Fifteenth Century Wash House – Lavoir du XVème”
I wonder why the 2 storey wash houses are so rare? It makes so much sense to have a protected drying space in proximity to where you do the laundry. This one’s a beauty.
Yes, it’s strange, isn’t it? It was a pity there is so much sun because it isn’t easy to see the details.
I’ve not seen a two story wash house before. Fascinating.
It was my first one too.