Lavoir de Glanville (route de Deauville)

The Glanville washhouse (on the road to Deauville), which is almost entirely original, is one of the ‘market-hall-style’ washhouses recorded in the Terre d’Auge region.

This washhouse consists of a large square cement basin with washing boards running around the edge. The floor, which appears to be original, is made of bricks and cement.
You will notice a small channel connected to a hole, which probably allowed the water to drain away. In addition, another hole is visible, containing a pipe that used to carry water to the basin. The washhouse is completely open on all four sides and has a wooden roof structure. The structure rests on four posts secured by cement flashings to hold the whole structure in place. If you look closely at these posts, you will see small notches or even rods, suggesting the probable presence of old clotheslines. The washhouse’s roof is made of slate and was designed to protect the washerwomen from the elements.

The washhouse is situated near a stream and is therefore supplied with water from the Rû Saint Clair Saulnier, thanks to a diversion of part of the stream’s flow. In fact, this stream was developed in the 19th century to supply – and, above all, to maintain – a substantial flow of water to the Quesnoy mill, situated near the washhouse.

Do feel free to stop off at the washhouse whilst passing by in your car or on your bike. You can also explore the village’s other washhouse, situated just a short walk away.