Fête des Lavoirs

August 15th in Pontrieux: Breton heritage and folklore

The Fête des Lavoirs is held every August 15th in Pontrieux, a Petite Cité de Caractère in the Côtes-d'Armor known for its fifty washhouses along the Trieux river. For over thirty editions, this free popular festival has celebrated this unique heritage in Brittany through a festive program combining music, dance, and traditions.

A unique washhouse heritage in France

Pontrieux boasts an exceptional washhouse heritage. Originally, the town had five public washhouses, but wealthy merchants and notables, not wanting their laundry washed in public, had their own private washhouses built, protected by stone walls on the banks of the Trieux. The architecture of these washhouses is unique: unlike traditional washhouses, they do not have a surface for beating laundry in front of oneself.

Bagads, costume parade, and Breton dances

The Fête des Lavoirs offers a festive program centered on Breton folklore: bagads (Breton music ensembles with bombards, bagpipes, and drums), a grand costume parade at 3:30 PM through the town's streets, Breton dance demonstrations and initiations, and concerts of traditional and contemporary music.

Concerts, songs, and fireworks

The day continues into the evening with free concerts and a grand fireworks display that illuminates the Trieux river. On-site catering—galettes, crêpes, sausages, merguez, and fries—allows visitors to fully enjoy this festive day.