Old Bridge Washhouse - Chardeneux

In the shade of tall ash trees and bordered by pollarded willows, the old wash bridge spans the Chardeneux stream, which meanders through the wet meadows. Dating from the first half of the 19th century, it evokes the time of the washerwomen, who washed their clothes by hand in all seasons.

Kneeling and bent over a small sloping board where she placed the laundry, the washerwoman threw the linen 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.

Each village had its own washhouse located either at a watering place, near a spring or a fountain, or along the river.

A reminder of the trades of yesteryear, but also, in the past, a privileged 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.