We've tested it for you A visit to the ponds and wash-houses of Champanges

Immerse yourself in life in the past

In days gone by, these washhouses were not just places for washing clothes, but veritable social crossroads. The women of the village would gather there to wash their clothes, chat and share moments of conviviality. At Champanges, this ancestral know-how is kept alive by the stories told by the guides. We learn how the village women used a very special technique to wash their clothes. The water was heated in a “bouillandire” (local patois name), a large container, before being poured over the sheets and fabrics.

The secret of natural washing

The tour also takes us back to the traditional methods used to prepare washing powder. The villagers of Champanges carefully collected the ash from their wood-burning stoves. Once sieved, it was placed in the bottom of a bucket and mixed with water. After macerating for two or three days, a sort of natural washing powder was extracted. Finally, they added fragrant herbs to perfume the clothes before washing them in the basins.

Another inescapable trick was to use terre de Sommières, a natural and local product, as a stain remover. This fine powder, with its absorbent properties, was used to remove grease stains and other difficult dirt.

An enriching walk and a practical workshop

This guided tour not only offers a unique insight into the heritage of Champanges, but also concludes with a hands-on workshop. After discovering the secrets of old-fashioned washing, participants can try their hand at these natural methods. It’s a fun way to test the quality of ash-based detergent, and to understand the effort involved in this daily ritual.

Practical information

Visits are free for schools as part of the “Pays d’Art et d’Histoire” programme, and can be booked at the Pays d’Évian – Vallée d’Abondance tourist information offices, or directly online via the official website :