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Le Lavoir de Loubeau: A Glimpse into Melle's Past

Discover Melle's historic Le Lavoir de Loubeau, a charming washhouse offering a glimpse into the past and a peaceful retreat.

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Le Lavoir de Loubeau, located in Melle, France, is a historic washhouse dating back to 1793. It offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of women in the community who once gathered here to wash their laundry.

A brief summary to Le Lavoir de Loubeau

  • Chem. de Loubeau, Melle, 79500, FR

Local tips

  • Combine your visit to Le Lavoir de Loubeau with a walk along the Chemin de la Découverte, a scenic botanical trail around Melle.
  • Explore the nearby Silver Mines of the Frankish Kings for a deeper understanding of Melle's history.
  • Visit the washhouse during the summer months to experience the atmosphere enjoyed by locals during picnics.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Le Lavoir de Loubeau is located on Chem. de Loubeau, a short distance from the center of Melle. From the Church of Saint-Hilaire, head northeast on Rue de l'Eglise toward Rue de la Poste. Turn right onto Rue de la Poste, then turn left onto Rue des Boissières. Turn right onto Chemin de Loubeau. The lavoir will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    The nearest bus stop to Le Lavoir de Loubeau is Place de la Poste in Melle. From there, walk along Rue des Boissières, then turn right onto Chemin de Loubeau. The lavoir will be on your left. Deux-Sèvres Mobilitie 79 operates a bus from Place Groussard to Gare Routiere Quai 2 twice daily. Tickets cost €3.

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Discover more about Le Lavoir de Loubeau

Le Lavoir de Loubeau, nestled in the charming town of Melle, France, stands as a testament to a bygone era. Constructed in 1793, it is Melle's oldest known washhouse, marking a time when women relied on communal spaces to perform essential tasks. Before its construction, laundry was simply washed in the river. The washhouse provided a dedicated space for this activity. The current structure features a large, semi-circular basin dating back to 1814. In 1937, the town decided to add a roof and a chimney to improve the comfort of the washerwomen. The open roof above the basin distinguishes it from other washhouses. Water is drawn from the river through a masonry basin in a semicircle, which then feeds the washing basin. Located near the Silver Mines of the Frankish Kings, Le Lavoir de Loubeau is part of a pleasant site on an arboretum path with a collection of regional trees. The site is part of the “Chemin de la Découverte”. This botanical trail creates a 6km loop around Melle. The path passes other landmarks, such as the Saint-Hilaire church. The washhouse provides a refreshing and romantic stop, where locals enjoy summer picnics. A restoration project took place in 2004-2005, using materials such as earth, sand, lime, limestone, and chestnut wood for the framework.

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