Balade des Lavoirs (Walk of the wash-houses)

This walk takes in the watering holes and the villages of Les Fossés, Chevaudos, Bernimont and Habaru.

This walk will appeal to walkers and strollers who, by closing their eyes, can easily immerse themselves in the warm atmosphere of these places where life used to be. Imagine the refreshing sound of running water punctuated by the laughter and gossip of the washerwomen beating their clothes.

From the beautifully renovated village square of Les Fossés, a small path through the woods takes you to the first washhouse at Chevaudos (on the right, along the road).

Cross over to follow the small country road.

This path also offers a very photogenic back view of the village of Assenois before leading you to the village of Bernimont, which boasts a recently restored lavoir. This wash house has undergone an original transformation because before 1859, it was used as a seasonal school. Classes were only held in winter, as the children worked with their parents during the summer.

After the tunnel, you walk along the railway and under it again to reach Habaru. The pretty wash house and the picnic table await you for a well-deserved break.

Leaving Habaru you will take the "chemin des malades". Along this path, in the Middle Ages, there was the "Champ de malades" where a leper colony was established. Lepers from Assen and the surrounding area were kept there.

The old hedge-lined path and then the path alongside the fir tree plantation lead you in the direction of Les Fossés, offering you a walk in the open country to reach a last trough where a bench welcomes you, a few steps from the starting car park.