Arzelier mill

  • The Arzelier mill
  • The Arzelier mill
  • The Arzelier mill
The Arzelier millThe Arzelier millThe Arzelier mill

Presentation

Located in St-Cyr-en-Retz, in what is now the municipality of Villeneuve-en-Retz, the Arzelier mill is the only windmill remaining on the hillside facing the sea. 
Proudly dominating the landscape of St-Cyr-en-Retz, the Moulin de l'Arzelier is not just a simple stone monument; it is a living witness to the milling history of our region.
‘It still bears witness for future generations to the use of renewable energy to obtain high-quality flour using very clever technologies such as the Berton system for the sails and the ball regulator for controlling the speed of rotation. It is therefore also a valuable educational tool that is important to preserve.’
Currently undergoing an ambitious restoration project, the energy of the volunteers working to bring it back to life is a story that particularly touches visitors.
This mill is a magnificent testament to the rural heritage of the Pays de Retz. 

A bit of history... 
The history of the mill and its chronology since 1857:
  • Built in 1857 by Jean Michaud and purchased in 1859 by Jean-Baptiste Bretagne (1837-1895), the Arzelier mill is a low mill (approximately 7 metres high), equipped with rake-shaped sails covered with canvas, turning close to the ground. The mill's machinery consists of a single pair of millstones. It grinds wheat.
  • Around 1880, the mill was raised to be equipped with a Berton-type sail and a second pair of millstones.
  • After the Second World War, competition from industrial mills led to a gradual decline in activity.
  • The mill ceased operation for good in 1957.
     
The birth of a restoration project for the Moulin de l'Arzelier since 1990:
  • In 1990, creation of the association ‘Les Amis du moulin de l'Arzelier’ (Friends of the Moulin de l'Arzelier).
  • Waterproofing and weatherproofing (the building is still sound and the machinery is complete, allowing for restoration in good conditions).
  • Signing of a 50-year leasehold agreement between the owner (Brigitte Bretagne) and the association.
  • Project management provided by the association.
  • The mill is classified as a ‘remarkable building’.
  • 2018: recognition of general interest (therefore a tax ruling for businesses and individuals)
  • 2024: refurbishment of a pair of millstones in May, then on 15 November 2024, the association Les Amis du moulin de l'Arzelier inaugurated the installation of a new temporary cap (made of chestnut wood), an important moment in the progress of the restoration project for this emblematic heritage site in our region.
  • 2025: replacement of a lintel under the main beam in August, then To date, the mill restoration project aims to restart flour production. The programme will take several years to complete: repairing the beams, installing windows, and restoring the drive shaft, wheel and Berton-type sails to working order. However, the mechanical parts and millstones are in good condition. The work continues...

3 good reasons to discover the Moulin de l'Arzelier
 
1. Support a human and solidarity-based adventure
Coming to the Moulin de l'Arzelier means above all meeting the association of volunteers. Their enthusiasm is contagious! When you visit the site, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at a major restoration project and directly support the preservation of local heritage. It's the perfect opportunity to learn about the technical challenges of stone cutting and traditional carpentry. 
Thanks to the passion of a handful of heritage enthusiasts, the mill is about to write a new chapter in its history.
 
2. A unique panorama of the Breton Marshes 
Thanks to its dominant position, the mill offers an exceptional view. It is the perfect place to observe the meeting point between farmland and the marsh horizons. The site invites you to disconnect and take photographs.
 
3. A place of life and entertainment
The mill is not only worth visiting for its stones! The association regularly organises events. It is a fun and educational stop for families who want to discover how flour was made ‘in the old days’ while enjoying the fresh air of Villeneuve-en-Retz.
Discover the Moulin de l'Arzelier during the events organised for the Journées du Petit Patrimoine et des Moulins (French Days of small heritage and mills) in June and the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine ( European heritage days) in September.
Information
  • PERIOD OF SITE OR HISTORIC MONUMENT :
    • 19th century
  • THEMES OF MUSEUM OR INTERPRETATION CENTRE :
    • Rural world agriculture
    • Trades
  • DETAILS FOR CIVIL ARCHITECTURE :
    • Mill
  • VISITS :
    • Only during the Heritage day (one sunday in September)
    • Only on booking
  • PETS :
    • Pets allowed
    • Pets only on leash
  • ACESSIBILITY :
    • No access for mobility impaired persons
  • Geographical zone :
    • Villeneuve-en-Retz
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Map

Destination
Moulin de l'Arzelier
Moulin de l'Arzelier
Saint-Cyr-en-Retz
44580
VILLENEUVE EN RETZ
GPS coordinates
Latitude : 47.03360
Longitude : -1.92070
See Arzelier mill on GoogleMaps
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Contact details
Arzelier mill
Moulin de l'Arzelier
Saint-Cyr-en-Retz
44580
VILLENEUVE EN RETZ
mail / message
Website "Arzelier mill"
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