Witnesses of domestic life in the past, the washhouses illustrate the functions linked to water in rural life in the past.
In the hollow of a valley, the old limestone village washhouse borders the road leading to Olloy.
A listed monument and site, windows illuminate the large bluestone basin divided into three tubs and fitted with wide sloping edges for beating the laundry.
Built in the 19th century, the building sheds light on the community life of the past and recalls the time of the washerwomen.
Fed by a spring located above, the covered washhouse allowed the village women to rinse their clothes in all seasons. The washerwoman, kneeling, threw the washing into the water, soaped it and rubbed it with ash. After twisting it so that the soap penetrated, she would hit it with a wooden paddle before rinsing it.
A favourite place for women to meet, the latest news of village life was told and commented on around the washhouse!
For more information, see our heritage sheet.
VIEUX LAVOIR
Rue des Lavandières, 16 – 5670 Vierves-sur-Viroin
MAISON DU TOURISME PAYS DES LACS
Route de la Plate Taille, 99 – 6440 Boussu-lez-Walcourt
+32(0)71/14 34 83
OFFICE DU TOURISME DE VIROINVAL
Rue Vieille Église, 5 – 5670 Nismes
+32(0)60/31 16 35
The association Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonie (The Most Beautiful Villages of Wallonia) oversees a network of 32 villages, bearers of a strong territorial identity and reflecting traditional architecture. It is committed to promoting the rural, cultural and natural heritage of Wallonia and is a part of the development of local and responsible tourism.
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