Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The fountain-wash and the drinking-place of Saint-Dizier-l'Évêque, located in the territory of Belfort in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, are emblematic buildings of local heritage. The washhouse, built in 1893, is an open building resting on eight stone columns, topped by a rump roof. It is powered by a source and has a wash basin as well as rinse bins, all integrated into a covered hall. Nearby, a stone drinking pot, created in 1774, was used to drink cattle, illustrating the importance of water points in rural life.

The site is linked to the sources of Val Saint-Dizier, known for their role in ancient therapeutic practices, including the treatment of madness until the 19th century. The washhouse, absent from the 1824 cadastre, was built in 1893 with a covered channel to capture the water and facilities dedicated to washing machines. Together, including the fountain, the washhouse and the waterworks, was listed at the Historic Monuments in 2006, recognizing its historic and heritage value.

The architecture of the washhouse, with its eight pillars and its characteristic roof, reflects 19th century rural construction techniques. The three drinking-stone troughs, aligned and fed by a gully, bear witness to the ingenuity of the hydraulic systems of the time. These monuments, owned by the municipality, recall the community organisation around water resources, essential for daily activities and agricultural activities.

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