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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The fountain and washhouses of Etuz, located in the village of the same name in Haute-Saône, constitute a remarkable monument of the 2nd quarter of the 19th century. The building is distinguished by its two wash houses in the shape of peripteral temples, each surrounded by 14 ionic columns in limestone and cut stones. This type of architectural representation is unique in the department, highlighting its historical and aesthetic originality.

The building was completed in 1845, according to the plans of architect Pierre Marnotte. This project is part of a period when public washhouses played a central role in the daily life of rural communities, serving as both a place of laundry, a place of women's sociality and a key water point. In 1979, the building was listed as historic monuments, recognizing its exceptional heritage value.

Located in the commune of Etuz, the fountain is precisely at 3 Rue de la Fontaine, in the department of Haute-Saône, in the region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. Its listing in the inventory of historical monuments covers both the fountain and the two washers, identified under the cadastral reference AB 105. The property of the whole belongs to the municipality, guaranteeing its preservation for future generations.

The available sources, including Wikipedia and the Mérimée base, confirm the architectural importance of this monument, as well as its architect, Pierre Marnotte, whose name remains associated with this emblematic achievement. The accuracy of its location is considered satisfactory, with a clearly identified address and GPS coordinates allowing it to be located with relative accuracy.

In the context of the 19th century, public washhouses such as that of Etuz reflected the hygienist concerns of the time, while embodying a social meeting place for the inhabitants of the village. Their careful architecture, inspired by ancient temples, also showed a desire to monumentalize utility spaces, giving them an aesthetic and symbolic dimension in the rural landscape.

The designation of historic monuments in 1979 helped to protect this heritage, highlighting its exceptional character in the region. Today, the fountain and washhouses of Etuz continue to fascinate with their unique style and history, while recalling the importance of collective infrastructure in the lives of past communities.

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