Cale de l’Abreuvoir Washhouse

Built along the banks of three rivers, Mont-de-Marsan still boasts seven public washhouses today, six of which are in the city center. The most famous one is right here beside you. Introducing the Cale de l’Abreuvoir Washhouse. It was built on the left bank of the Midouze back in 1870, to replace a similar structure that was much older. Back when Mont-de-Marsan was a bustling river trade hub, bustling with the coming and going of freight-filled barges, the washhouse basin served as a watering trough for horses. These animals could quench their thirst and rest between hauling cargo from the port. The water came from nearby springs and was channeled through underground aqueducts into large basins. This iconic Mont-de-Marsan landmark, with its half-elliptical shape and ten arches, was even featured in a book dedicated to the hundred most beautiful washhouses in France.