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Watermills open to the public

In general, mill architecture in Gironde tends to be simple and lacking in ornamentation. In the 18th  century, a period of economic prosperity, some mills left their mediaeval structures behind them and were modernised. Watercourses were equipped with dykes diverting their flow.&n...
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In general, mill architecture in Gironde tends to be simple and lacking in ornamentation. In the 18th  century, a period of economic prosperity, some mills left their mediaeval structures behind them and were modernised. Watercourses were equipped with dykes diverting their flow. 
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Up until the end of the 17th century, traditional equipment never numbered more than three pairs of millstones. All kinds of activities went on at the watermills, which were by no means only used for grinding grain and often also served as forges, paper mills along the course of the Isle and the Ciron, sawmills, tanneries or oil mills.

Watermills open for visits

Moulin de Piis

Moulin à eau fortifié à Bassane

CDT33 - Hubert Sion

Moulin de Piis  à Bassanne

This fortified watermill on the banks of the Bassanne is remarkable for its architecture: a thick-walled rectangular building of impressive size, it still preserves its defensive allure. A square tower with typically 13th  -century alisee-cross slit windows, along with a 15th  - and 16th  -century addition with machicolations on the west side and a brick gatehouse at the south corner, makes its protective vocation clear enough. The monument was also a residence, as is evident from the many windows and doors in its walls and the fireplaces on the upper floor. Its primary activity was certainly milling. In the 13th  century, two canals ran through the building’s basement, each supplying a horizontal hydraulic wheel equipped with paddles and buckets.

Today, it serves as a venue for a range of cultural events.

Picnic area, lodging for pilgrims on the Vézelay road (Ways of Compostela), cultural events.

Municipal property.
+33 5 56 61 05 52
mairie.de.bassanne@wanadoo.fr

Moulin de La Borie, Blasimon

13th  -century fortified mill with particularly fine architecture, located in the county estate of Blasimon.
Information, tel +33 5 57 71 59 62
blasimon@entredeuxmers.com

Moulin de Moustelat, Pessac-sur-Dordogne

The mill was built on the Soulège in 1724. Private property with the “Bienvenue à la ferme” label
Béatrice and Robert Barrière: +33 5 57 47 46 77 b.r.barriere@wanadoo.fr

Moulin de Charlot, Marcenais

This watermill straddles the course of the Saye. It was gifted to the Knights Templar of the neighbouring commandery in 1232, and still possesses its mechanism. Relaxation, refreshment room and crepes. Function room for hire.

Mme Ottaviani
+33 5 57 69 04 10
The Moulin de Charlot is the terminus for the route taken by the Guîtres tourist train (Isle Valley tourist railway)

Information: 
Canton of Guîtres Tourist Office 
+33 5 57 69 11 48 www.cc-canton-guitres.com

Moulin de Noès, Pessac

A watermill on the course of the Peugue, final vestige of the experimental farm set up there in the 18th  century, in accordance with a royal decree of 1761, and once active in the cultivation of cereals and the breeding of silkworms. The triple-arched mill is remarkable for its elevation, with a recess whose half-dome vault is adorned with mouldings and a scrolled agrafe, and a pediment with decoration depicting running water, conch and water plants. Historical Monument. Footpath along the Peugue.

Municipal property; access via Avenue de Noès.
+33 5 57 02 21 86  tourisme@mairie-pessac.fr

Moulin de Rouillac, Canéjan

Watermill of mediaeval origin
+33 5 56 75 29 56
 histoire.canejan@laposte.net

Moulin de Pinquey, Saint-Félix-de-Foncaude

This mill, which is municipal property and currently undergoing restoration, still possesses its vertical trough wheel.
Contact: 05 56 71 41 96
+33 5 56 71 41 93

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