The Wash House

Dating back to the 19th century, this is the last remaining wash house in Antibes. You’ve probably seen similar ones in other towns across France—but do you know their history? They mostly date from the 1800s, when it became clear that dirty laundry could spread deadly diseases like smallpox, measles, and cholera. A law was passed that allowed the state to cover part of the cost for building public wash houses, and from then on, they popped up all over the country. Women gathered here to scrub clothes by hand—a tough task, but also a chance to socialize, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. These wash houses became much more than just places to clean clothes—they were a vital social space for women. Imagine the gossip and laughter that must have echoed off these stone walls! On top of that, they helped save lives by improving hygiene. With the arrival of running water in the early 20th century, and washing machines in the 1960s, most of these wash houses fell out of use. But many, like this one, have been preserved as historical landmarks, reminding us what everyday life looked like just two centuries ago.