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Origin and history

The town hall-lavoir de Mont-devant-Sassey was decided in 1825 by the municipality, reusing a pre-existing washhouse. The plans, designed by the departmental architect Théodore Oudet in February 1826, were awarded in May to the local entrepreneur Deshay for 7,200 francs. The works, which were interrupted in 1827 because of an encroachment on the highway, resumed after modifications (relaying, displacing the washhouse) and ended in August 1829.

The building, built in stone of Mont and Chauvency, is distinguished by its sober neo-classical architecture. It consists of two levels: a wash-house on the ground floor, surmounted by the town hall on the first floor, accessible by a double flight staircase. The facades, rhythmized by curved or rectangular bands and bays, incorporate details such as cross guardrails of Saint-André and a girouette in the front.

In 1922 repairs were carried out (parquet and roof), but the washer, still in water, retained its original use. The interior houses a municipal hall, a graft, and a fireplace decorated with royal lily flowers, witness to the Restoration. The building, registered with the Historical Monuments in 1998, illustrates the ingenuity of stereotomy and the adaptation of public spaces to local needs.

The north facade, organized in three spans, highlights the entrance of the town hall, framed by blind niches and surmounted by the inscription "Municipalité" in bronze letters. Despite its small dimensions (10 m by 5.76 m), the building combines functionality and elegance, reflecting the importance of communal facilities in 19th century rural villages.

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