The bakehouse

The bakehouse is an essential part of rural life; the more important villages used to have many across their territory.
Batches were anticipated. The bundles of wood were prepared during winter at the "ragossage" (winter trimming of the trees, leaving only the trunk). Les "chauffous" (men heating the oven) kept the fire going for a full night, before the inside of the oven, whitened by head, was considered ready.
The villagers then brought their loaves to share a convivial moment, explaining the French expression "Ramener ses miches." to bring ones loaves over", a familiar expression to say someone is coming over, "miches" (loaves) becoming therefore an argotic term for "bottom".

This oven, from the village-centre, is still in working order. During village fêtes, the oven is sometimes used.