Lavoir Facts for Kids

A lavoir is a special public place where people used to go to wash their clothes. Imagine a big basin or a roofed area with water, often built next to a river or a spring. These washhouses became common around the 1700s. Today, many lavoirs have been fixed up and are interesting places for tourists to visit. They remind us of how people lived long ago.

Lavoir in Chénières
Lavoir in Bonnat
Lavoir in Noyers, Yonne

What is a Lavoir and How Did It Work?
- Washing Clothes in the Past
- Why Lavoirs Were Important
  - Community Gathering Spots
Where Were Lavoirs Built?
- Different Types of Lavoirs
Lavoirs Today: History and Tourism
- Visiting Old Lavoirs
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What is a Lavoir and How Did It Work?

A lavoir is like a public laundry room from the past. It was a place where people, mostly women, gathered to wash their family's clothes. These buildings usually had a large stone basin or a series of basins filled with water. The water often came from a nearby river, spring, or fountain.

Washing Clothes in the Past

Washing clothes was hard work before washing machines existed. People would bring their dirty laundry to the lavoir in baskets. They would often kneel or stand by the water. They used soap, brushes, and a lot of scrubbing to get the clothes clean. The lavoir was a central spot for this important chore.

Why Lavoirs Were Important

Lavoirs were very important for several reasons. They provided a clean and shared water source for washing. This was much easier than washing clothes at home, especially if homes did not have running water. They also helped keep villages cleaner. People could wash clothes away from their homes.

Community Gathering Spots

Lavoirs were more than just places to wash clothes. They were also important community gathering spots. Women would meet there, share news, and talk about their lives. It was a social hub where friendships were made and strengthened. This made lavoirs a key part of village life.

Where Were Lavoirs Built?

Lavoirs were built in many places, especially in France. They became popular from the 18th century onwards. You could find them in villages, towns, and even cities. Their location depended on where a good water source was available.

Different Types of Lavoirs

Not all lavoirs looked the same. Some were simple open-air basins. Others were covered by a roof to protect people from the sun or rain. Some even had special areas for rinsing clothes. In some places, like Laval, people used "laundry boats" on rivers. These were like floating lavoirs.

Lavoirs Today: History and Tourism

Today, most people use washing machines at home. So, lavoirs are no longer used for daily laundry. However, many communities have worked hard to restore these old washhouses. They are now important historical buildings.

Visiting Old Lavoirs

Many restored lavoirs are now tourist attractions. Visitors can see how people used to live and work. They offer a glimpse into the past. Some lavoirs are even used for local events or art displays. They stand as a reminder of a time when life was very different.