Description
Constructed in the 19th century (1843) according to the plans of an architect of Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Baussan who replaced the former public washhouse, said to be not enough comfortable for the community at the time, by a new lavoir.
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Address
- Avenue Marc Pradelle
- 07700
- Bourg-Saint-Andéol
-
Opening
All year through
equipment & services
view equipment & services- Pets welcome
- Guided individual tours
- Unguided group tours
- Guided group tours
- Tourist brochures
- Tour free of charge
- Guided tours
- Unguided individual tours
The watercourse that passes Bourg-Saint-Andéol, la Tourne, is supplied by the two springs at Petit Goul and at Grand Goul, two bassins sprouting from two cavities. These cavities are made of deep and narrow underground galleries located in the valley.
The river Tourne is responsable for the rich industrial activity in Bourg-Saint-Andéol : the water was being used for corn-mills, mills for oil, for linnen and wool to soften or to degrease it. It also supplied tanneries, a waterfall and a public wash house.
The wash house or lavoir impresses us because of its dimension and its 16 pillars that support the big roof. It was ordered by the mayor of the town to replace the old lavoir. The municipality wanted to offer a more appealing lavoir to the women : old pictures show us the popularity of this meeting place. The little dome before the building used to cover the « fontaine aux ânes (fountain for the donkeys) ». The lavoir was classified as a historical monument on the 20th of September 1946.