Southern BurgundyLavoir (Pubic Laundry)

Lavoirs are public laundries found throughout France, mostly in rural communities and every now and then is some cities. The function of a Lavoir was not only practical - a place where woman could wash her family's clothes but also a meeting place where woman could exchange news and find out what was happening in their community.

Today most Lavoirs are a monument to France's past and are not use. They are normality found next to a stream or well and most will be decorated with flowers during the summer months.

If your ever in the French countryside look out for a sign marked 'Lavoir' you will not be disappointed, it's a way to step back in time and see how the French used to live.

Lavoirs like people come in different shapes and sizes, some will be completely enclosed others will have open sides and a roof. Most are not more than 10 feet long and all have sloped sides where the clothes could be washed. Below is a sample of Lavoirs that can be found in Southern Burgundy.