Vieux lavoir de La Chaize-le-Vicomte

The old wash-house was built and brought into service in 1874. It consists of a vast U-shaped courtyard, open to the south and framing a rectangular basin measuring approximately 9m by 15m. The north section has 5 bays, while the east and west side sections each have three bays. The tiled roof overhangs the pool, protecting the washing machines. The western section, partly demolished to widen the road, now has just 3 bays.

This washhouse, which was in use until the 1970s and was later superseded by washing machines, could accommodate around twenty "washers" (2 per bay). They were often "professional" laundrywomen, going from house to house to wash clothes, a hard job, especially in winter.

The basin is fed by the Lignageau stream. The main spring, known as the Aumônerie, is said to have medicinal properties. This spring never dries up, even during the most severe droughts, as in 1976. This explains the location of the wash-house.