Wash house of the Grenouillère - Chartres en lumières

Come to the magical land of elves.

Each bridge, each wash house is a Christmas preparation workshop where Santa's little employees are busy. While following the enchanted river, you will be able to observe along the bridges: the workshop of toys manufacture and confectionery, the one of preparation of candles and decorations of the tree...

A création by M2.Creative

Chartres en lumières celebrates Christmas

From November 29th to January 5th, the most beautiful monuments illuminated by Chartres en lumières are decked out in Christmas colours.

Marvel at the river of elves on the bridges and wash houses of the lower town, attend a banquet at the Hôtel Montescot, or take a trip to Lapland at the Museum of Fine Arts. And of course, the spirit of Christmas will also illuminate Chartres Cathedral.

Find out about all the Christmas illuminations

A little history

The wash house overlooks the Grenouillère bridge, where the Saint-Père mill is located. Until the 19th century, 20 mills used the force of the river to grind wheat and crush the wood needed by the tanners.

Many craftsmen lived in this area, protected by a rampart built in 1185. Downstream, there was the "massacre", an old slaughterhouse near which stood one of the 7 city gates.

Continuing upstream, other trades were spread out along the river: wool and leather workers (tanners, curriers, shippers, etc.) and cloth workers (whippers, dyers).