Lavoir des Authieux-sur-Calonne

The washhouse at Les Authieux-sur-Calonne is one of the last remaining washhouses on the banks of the Calonne.

Recently restored, this washhouse is mainly built of red and beige brick, particularly for the floor and low walls. The fairly wide space by the low wall on the left allowed women to set down their baskets of laundry. The washboard, which is in very poor condition, is made of cement. Indeed, the restoration of the washhouse has undoubtedly raised the floor level. This explains the gap between the washboard and the floor of the current washhouse. The washhouse can still be accessed via two small steps. The washhouse’s framework is made of wood and rests on six posts set into the low wall, one of which is secured to the ground by a cement flashing covered with bricks. The gable roof is made of slate with rounded edges at the eaves.

You’ll find this washhouse beneath the village bridge; it’s accessible on foot via the grassy path. If you’re passing by on a bike or in a car, keep an eye out for the red-brick building! To make your walk even more enjoyable, you can explore the church and the chapel, which is listed as a historic monument, both situated nearby.