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Moulin de Rairé: A Timeless Windmill

Discover the historic Moulin de Rairé in Sallertaine, France, a unique windmill continuously grinding grain by wind power since 1555.

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The Moulin de Rairé, built around 1555 in Sallertaine, France, is a historic windmill that has been in continuous operation solely by wind power, making it a unique testament to traditional milling techniques. Visitors can explore its well-preserved structure, learn about its history, and purchase locally ground flour.

A brief summary to Moulin de Rairé

  • Monday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Tuesday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Wednesday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Thursday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Friday 2 pm-6 pm
  • Sunday 2 pm-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the afternoon, as the mill typically opens at 2 PM.
  • Check the official website for special events or workshops.
  • Explore the scenic walking paths around the mill for beautiful views of the Vendée countryside.
  • Purchase freshly ground flour and local products at the mill's shop.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Moulin de Rairé via public transport, take a train to Challans, the nearest major train station. From Challans, catch the Aléop en Vendée line 571 bus towards Sallertaine. Get off at the 'Les 4 Moulins' stop, which is a short walk from the mill. Bus fare is approximately €2. Check local bus schedules for accurate departure times.

  • Car

    If driving from the Vendée coast, head towards the D38 road to Sallertaine. Once in Sallertaine, follow the signs to 'Le Raire'. The Moulin de Rairé is located at Le Raire, 85300 Sallertaine. There is parking available near the mill. Expect to pay around €2-3 for parking per hour.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Challans, a taxi to Moulin de Rairé takes about 7 minutes and costs approximately €17-€21. Ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Sallertaine. However, prices may vary depending on demand and time of day.

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Discover more about Moulin de Rairé

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.

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