The old drying house

At the beginning of the 20th century, Bougival was a major centre for cleaning and washing laundry.
An abundant water supply, aristocratic customers and the closeness of Paris led to the growth of a laundering business, documented as far back as the 18th century, which led to a particular type of architecture.
When the weather was warm, drying used to take place in the meadows. In winter, it took place in drying houses, the façades of which were covered with swivelling, wooden slats to create draughts, while a stove heated the whole house. Hanging from sliding rails, the laundry took up less space. This building also used to house the ironing room and the wash house which was supplied with water from a well.