Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Grignan washhouse, built in the 2nd half of the 18th century, is distinguished by its circular plan of Tuscan order. It rests on a base of three steps supporting sixteen limestone columns extracted from Chamaret quarries. A nude shell supports a brick dome, topped by a flat dome decorated with a central ball. The main basin, 6 metres in diameter, has a water jet in its centre. This monument, classified as Historical Monuments, reflects a neo-classical architecture inspired by the Temple of Love of the Little Trianon.

In 1840, the wash was erected at the initiative of François-Auguste Ducros, then mayor of Grignan, according to plans drawn up by Barthélemy (probably Ferdinand, de Grillon), triangulator of the cadastre of the Vaucluse. A circle arch compartment was added in 1861 to facilitate washing tasks, while the basin was rebuilt in 1894. The dome and the entanglement were restored in 1907 and again in 1987. The cut stones are exclusively from the quarries of Chamaret, and the monument is inscribed by order of 24 February 1987.

The washhouse, owned by the commune, illustrates the importance of sanitary public facilities in the 19th century. Its neo-classical style, marked by symmetry and harmony of proportions, makes it a remarkable example of the utilitarian architecture of the era. Today, in Place du Mail, there remains a testament to the communal heritage and local expertise in stone carving and masonry.

External links