Many villages retain their
lavoir (wash house) - indeed many are still in use by villagers. The one in my village, Gorbio, is regularly in use by the locals.
Here's the
lavoir in Roquebrune, which is found near to the entrance of the village. As you can see, no water in it at the moment. Don't you love the sign 'It is forbidden to wash vehicles.' I took this photograph over the Christmas/New Year period, hence the
crèche which you see in front of the
lavoir. Each Christmas the village of Roquebrune creates a
Chemin des Crèches. This year 130
crèches were exhibited - one family alone created 17. All compete for the top prize and the tourist office organises tours of the
crèches.