FRENCH WOMEN AND THEIR BATHROOMS: AN AGE-OLD LOVE STORY
Modern-day bathrooms are essential for every French woman, but this has not always been the case. The bathroom as we know it today is actually a descendant of the cabinet de toilette used by the female aristocracy. Over the ages, customs evolved and scientific progress was made.
Here is the wonderful love story between French women and their bathrooms. And believe it or not, just like in romantic comedies, they got off to a bad start.
FROM THE MIDDLE AGES TO MODERN TIMES: WATER? WHAT AN AWFUL THOUGHT!
There were actually no bathrooms in the Middle Ages! People went to “stews,” public facilities with hot baths that resembled Roman thermal baths. These public saunas, located on the city outskirts, did not always have the best of reputations. From then until the 19th century in France, water was avoided, as people thought it softened the flesh and mind, and weakened the body in general. At the time, and in the centuries that followed, religion had its influence, and along with it came prohibitions – such as seeing oneself naked. As a result, washing was minimal: people usually rubbed themselves with a towel and splashed water over their faces.
Naturally, issues with water supply and distribution meant no running water. Showers and bathrooms only gained in popularity during the 20th century. It is hard to believe that the beautiful ladies at the Court of Versailles did not wash, and yet they didn’t! Fortunately powders and perfumes were frequently used!
LATE 18TH CENTURY: LONG LIVE THE CABINET DE TOILETTE
Cabinet de Toilette, Boudoir de grand luxe, Style Louis XVI
In wealthier circles at the end of the 18th century, women could use a cabinet de toilette – a private toilet room – most often adjoining the bedroom . After they got dressed, they applied perfume and did their hair. But there was no running water here: it was a space for making oneself over, not washing. And people still bathed very rarely.
Scientific progress and Pasteur’s discoveries changed everything. Pasteur promoted hygiene and the use of water to wash oneself regularly. From then on, the bathroom began to evolve and be modernized.
The Parisian woman could finally enjoy the benefits of water for body and beauty care.
WATER, YES, BUT OUT OF SIGHT
Women have always taken care with their appearance, and historically have been in charge of caring for children and infants. This is how basins for washing children were placed alongside pails and sponges – in fact, this was the first change in the cabinet de toilette. The space was still used for getting dressed. However, instead of stationery bathtubs, they used movable basins that were put away (or even hidden) after use.
EARLY 20TH CENTURY: THE LUXURY OF A BATHROOM, ACCESSIBLE TO MANY
La salle de bains d’une Parisienne dans les années 1940
As time went by, and with access to running water, the bathroom was fitted with brassware and increasingly featured bathtubs and showers. This transformation in French homes actually occurred more gradually than one would believe. In 1950 only 6% of French households had a bathroom! The room devoted to body care was still far from being the norm.
So after the war, how did elegant ladies freshen up? By being resourceful in the kitchen.
TODAY’S ESSENTIAL BATHROOM
Baignoire ELITE double dos en Flight
The bathroom, now a must-have in the house, exists in most French homes today (90 %). Bathrooms are used by the entire family, since today most people wash up daily. More and more homes are equipped with two bathrooms: mostly one for the family, and one for the parents, sometimes in the master suite. Children learn about independence and privacy, and as teenagers, they want to spend their own special time here.
French women lean towards showers and tubs. Usually the bathtub is essential when children arrive, while people prefer a walk-in shower when the children get older.
HOW ABOUT A GOOD DOSE OF WELLNESS?
The bathroom is considered the place for hygiene and cleanliness, but it continues to evolve. Usually limited in size (about 3 m2 in the city and 8 m2 in a house), bathrooms are now starting to be larger. Their function is changing as well. Once a “technical” space, today’s bathroom is decorated, and provides wellness and comfort with a focus on the sensorial side. Music, candles, and superior materials are all used to offer a pleasant atmosphere.
Body care definitely plays a role here. Women no longer hide themselves, but take invigorating baths or hydromassage showers, and oil or scrub their bodies. They do still put on their makeup and style their hair in the bathroom.
Women of the 21st century finally have the pampering they deserve. Isn’t it about time?
JACOB DELAFON PRODUCTS ARE DESIGNED TO BE PART OF YOUR LIFE
Jacob Delafon has accompanied these developments since 1889. As a specialist in quality materials from the beginning, Jacob Delafon has always been a part of women’s day-to-day lives, attentive to their expectations and needs, and aware of changes in society. In both brassware or plumbing product design, Jacob Delafon offers a unique, soothing wellness experience in which relaxation is an art form.
In a more individual-focused society, it is essential to take time for oneself and cultivate one’s own personality. Hydromassage baths, multi-spray shower columns, and extra-wide showerheads are components you can use to customize your bathroom. You can easily obtain a bathroom that resembles you – with different design styles, materials and colours.
