Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Laverie

Leybornia (Libourne) was founded in 1270 as a bastide on the site of the Roman settlement of Fozera. It was named after the town's founder, Roger of Leybourne an English seneschal of Gascony, under the authority of King Edward I of England. Aquitaine was under English rule at the time. It suffered considerably in the struggles of the French and English for the possession of Gironde in the 14th century, and joined France in the 15th century. Laverie Chamousse

Palencia was called Pallantia in ancient times and was the capital of a Celtiberian tribe. Palencia probably became the seat of a bishop as early as the 3rd century, and the city experienced its first heyday under the Visigoths in the 6th and 7th centuries. In the 8th century, the Arab-Moorish armies conquered the area around Palencia. In the 11th century the city was reconquered by the Christians (reconquista). The greatest supporter at the beginning of the 13th century was the Castilian King Alfonso VIII. Already during his lifetime, but mainly after his death (1214), the existing cathedral school was converted into one of the first universities in Europe. I often sit in laundries while traveling and I like the smell of my clean clothes when I fold them in the end. This laundry was very clean and had perfect washing machines.

The "Rue Juiverie" is a part of "Vieux Lyon", the old quarter of Lyon. The road existed probably since Roman times. In medieval times Louis IX of France (aka "Saint Louis") gave permission to the Jews to settle here and build a synagogue. Later famous famous Nostradamus lived in this street. One of his clients was unfortunate Catherine de' Medici, who came here to consult him. Today the street has this nice laundry shop, that offers a discount of 20% on Thursdays.

When, about a decade ago, I took a break on my walk from Geneva to Conques in Le Puy, I had to "visit" one of the launderettes in town. The more and the longer I have travelled - the more I loved launderettes, as they are inmportant meeting and melting points. "Lav' Flash" was open already very early that morning.

The more and the longer I have travelled (with limited baggage!) - the more I loved launderettes. This one in Albi had a very clean and nearly irresistible smell.

The self-service laundry is open from 07.00 to 22.00, but even at night time it is protected by Pope Francis, whose poster is attached to the wall.

The more and the longer I have travelled - the more I loved launderettes. Launderettes are meeting and melting points. Here the weary traveller will meet locals. There is an hour to spend at least, waiting for the washing machine. Talk is cheap. For the tourist all the locals have interesting stories to listen to and for the locals this stranger in the launderette is interesting. What is he doing in here? Where do you stay? What do you work? How is your life? Where will you be tomorrow? Launderettes - are definitely underestimated!

The more and the longer I have travelled - the more I loved launderettes. Launderettes are the meeting and melting point. Here the weary traveller will meet and talk to locals. There is an hour to spend at least, waiting for the washing machine. Talk is cheap. For the tourist all the locals have interesting stories to listen to and for the locals this stranger in the launderette is interesting. What is he doing in here? Washing clothes! Why? As they are dirty? Where do you stay? What do you work? How is your life? Where will you be tomorrow? Launderettes - are definitely underestimated! Seen here is a nice launderette in Nice. Unfortunatley I never took a photo of my favourite launderette, the "Tin Tin Tango" in Taka-Töölö, Helsinki, Finland. The "Tin Tin Tango" combines a couple of washing machines and tumbling dryers, a coffee shop - and a sauna. Sebastian took a nice shot from the facade in winter: www.flickr.com/photos/sstorholm/5369817957/ Just learned, that the "Tin Tin Tango" has a website (in finnish): www.tintintango.info/

After weeks of travelling, we urgently needed a launderette. Unfortunately the small LAV´MATIC, near to the place where we lived over the week in Carcassonne, was closed all the time. The owner was on vacation probably. Just like us.

A group of colourfully dressed young ladies have gathered at the corner of the "Lavanderia".