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Laundry Day: The Launderette and the Balcony

Use a French self-service launderette, share the machines politely and dry your washing without breaking the building's rules.

Most French flats have their own washing machine, so shared laundry rooms are rare outside student residences (the CROUS) and some newer buildings; when your machine breaks, you go to a laverie automatique, usually paying at a central terminal by card or coins, sometimes with detergent included. Many buildings' rules (le règlement de copropriété) forbid drying washing where it can be seen from the street, so people use a clothes airer (un étendoir) inside or on the courtyard side. Neighbours say vous to each other.

Front view of a self-service laundromat window with colorful text and washing machines inside.
Photo: Mathias Reding on Pexels
  1. 1

    Ma machine à laver est en panne.

    My washing machine has broken down.

  2. 2

    Il y a une laverie près d'ici ?

    Is there a launderette near here?

  3. 3

    Il faut réserver, ou c'est premier arrivé, premier servi ?

    Do you need to book, or is it first come, first served?

  4. 4

    Cette machine est libre ?

    Is this machine free?

  5. 5

    C'est combien, une machine ?

    How much is a wash?

  6. 6

    On peut payer par carte, ou seulement avec des pièces ?

    Can you pay by card, or only with coins?

  7. 7

    C'est quel programme pour le blanc ?

    Which programme is for whites?

  8. 8

    Le séchoir, ça dure combien de temps ?

    How long does the dryer take?

  9. 9

    On met la lessive où ?

    Where do you put the detergent?

  10. 10

    Je peux mettre mes affaires quand la vôtre est finie ?

    Can I put my things in when yours is done?

  11. 11

    Quelqu'un a laissé ses vêtements dans le séchoir.

    Someone's left their clothes in the dryer.

  12. 12

    Je reviens dans quarante minutes.

    I'll be back in forty minutes.

  13. 13

    Je peux étendre mon linge sur le balcon ?

    Can I hang my washing on the balcony?

  14. 14

    Ce sont vos pinces à linge ?

    Are these your clothes pegs?

  15. 15

    Le règlement interdit d'étendre du linge côté rue.

    The building rules don't allow hanging washing on the street side.

  16. 16

    On dirait qu'il va pleuvoir.

    It looks like it's going to rain.

  17. 17

    S'il pleut, je rentre votre linge.

    If it rains, I'll bring your washing in.

  18. 18

    Ça sera sec dans deux heures.

    It'll be dry in two hours.

  19. 19

    Pas de souci, rien ne presse.

    No problem, there's no rush.

  20. 20

    Merci, c'est vraiment gentil.

    Thanks, that's really kind.