The Washhouse of the Moats, Historic washing place in Honfleur, France
Le Lavoir des fossés is a historic public washing place in Honfleur, Normandy, made of a simple stone structure with two stone basins. The ground around it is paved with red terracotta tiles, and water still flows from a small spout.
A fountain stood on this spot before, known in the 17th century as the Fontaine Saint-Étienne, and later as the Fontaine aux Chiens. The current washing place was built in 1896 on the same site, replacing that earlier structure.
The name of this washing place refers to the old city moats that once ran nearby. Those moats, traces of the former city fortifications, are still partly visible around the site today.
The washing place sits on a quiet street in Honfleur and is easy to reach on foot. A gate with posted hours indicates when access is possible.
The old name Fontaine aux Chiens suggests the site was also used as a drinking point for animals. This double use as both a washing place and an animal trough was once a normal part of daily city life.
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