Moulin de Rairé: A Timeless Windmill

The Moulin de Rairé, located in the charming village of Sallertaine in the Vendée region of France, is a remarkable testament to the ingenuity of Renaissance builders and the enduring power of wind. Constructed around 1555, this historic windmill has the distinction of being the only one in France that has operated continuously using only the wind's energy since its creation. Originally belonging to Jacques DE LA TOUCHE, the lord of la Garnache, the mill was spared during the Vendée Wars. In 1840, the Barreteau family, who operated around twenty mills in the north of the Marais Breton-Vendéen, acquired it. A significant upgrade occurred in 1842 when Parisian engineer Pierre Théophile Berton replaced the original linen canvases with adjustable wooden boards, a design still in use today. In 1864, the mill was raised by two meters to add a storage room for grain and flour. Despite the advent of electric power in the inter-war period, Amélia Burgaud, the miller at the time, chose to maintain the traditional methods, harnessing the wind's power to turn the sails. Today, the Moulin de Rairé stands as a living museum, welcoming visitors to witness its four-century-old craftsmanship. Visitors can take a guided tour to discover the intricate mechanisms of the mill and learn about the milling process. The mill also has a shop where you can buy flour and local products made with it. The surrounding area offers scenic walking paths and picnic spots, perfect for enjoying the tranquil French countryside.