Lavoir de Saint-Philbert-des-Champs

The washhouse at Saint-Philbert-des-Champs, built in 1906, has a distinctive appearance and history.

This washhouse consists of a large rectangular concrete basin and a washing platform with its original clay floor. There is also a low brick wall surrounding the basin. Bricks and concrete blocks lie scattered in front of the basin. These masonry elements are probably the remains of an old basin adjoining the main one. The washhouse is not covered and, as far as we know, never has been.

The washhouse is supplied with water by the Fontaine des Boudards (or Fontaine d’Anjou). On closer inspection of the basin, a hole can be seen indicating the presence of a pipe connected to a stream that ran close to the washhouse, serving as a second water supply. Other remains found around the washhouse suggest that the stream may have been diverted to feed the basin.
However, in the year following the washhouse’s construction, local residents and councillors noticed a significant design flaw. The water flow was abnormal and the water struggled to flow into the basin. As a result, the locals never used this washhouse to wash their clothes. They simply came there to fetch drinking water.

Situated near a walking trail, accessible on foot or by bike, you cannot fail to notice this structure, which stands out for its interesting features and unique history. Furthermore, do not hesitate to stop off at the Brévedent wash house, located a few kilometres away.