Dating from 1852, two stone pillars set on a low wall support the façade of the building with its impressive framework. This covered washhouse has a unique and unusual roof structure supporting a four-sided roof topped with flat tiles. This washhouse, of which there were several in Baissey, was obviously used to clean laundry for the local households. This brings us to a tradition from another era: washing in a tub. This practice, which has been forgotten, was carried out twice a year in all households: once in spring and once in autumn. Water was heated in a pot, and in the tub (a large container with a hole at the bottom for drainage) successive layers of linen, ash, linen again and more ash were placed. The washing was then "poured out" by pouring in the hot water, which was collected at the bottom and poured back in until it came out hot. Finally, the washing was rinsed in the wash-house...
Lavoir de Baissey
