The lavoir
The wash-house was built in 1887 at the foot of the ramparts
Many washer-women used it
The Saint-Jacques wash-house was built in 1887 at the foot of the ramparts, where the Bouzaize resurfaces after its mysterious passage under the Hôtel-Dieu.
This very popular wash-house has remained in use for a long time, in particular by the washer-women of a laundry built next to it.
On the other side of the boulevard is the tanners' district, whose foul-smelling tanks were dug directly into the ground. Not very long ago, you could still see the wooden shutters that ventilated the attics where the hides were dried.
We pass close to the Lavoir on the circular boulevard. You will be able to see where the Bouzaize emerges and also the good state of preservation of the wash-house, the last one still in use in the city.
Crossing the boulevard, you can explore the ancient tanners’ district. Near the Tanneries car-park is the chapel of the former Saint Esprit Hospital (13th century).
