Free tours of the restored windmills will be organized all weekend in Régusse

"These mills are a part of our heritage. We must keep them alive, pass on our knowledge to future generations so that they can continue to stand the test of time. If we don't, all this will disappear..."

The least we can say is that Alain Sanchez, president of the association Les amis des moulins de Régusse, takes his mission to heart. Proud of 45 members, including a dozen truly active ones, the troop of volunteers maintains these witnesses of the past year-round. And gives them life. "In 2024, we welcomed 4,700 visitors to the site!" he proudly declares. As part of the European Mills and Millstone Heritage Days, the two buildings will reopen their doors all weekend, with free tours on the program.

An uncertain origin

The two emblems of Régusse proudly stand below the village. To this day, their origins remain uncertain. "We know that in the mid-15th century, they did not yet exist," explains Alain. "The first written records mentioning their existence date back to the early 16th century for the first and the early 17th for the second."

A living heritage, restored in the mid-1990s, which volunteers carefully care for day after day. "This year, for example, we repainted all the woodwork." While the first mill has been transformed into a small museum, the second is perfectly functional. Its mechanics are well-oiled. "When I look at it, I think of all the ingenuity of the old people who designed them," Alain continues, admiringly.

In France, very few windmills still work, he assures us. "Here, we turn it two to three times a month." To get the building up and running, there's obviously one imponderable: "There has to be wind. But not too much. Above 50 km/h, it becomes dangerous." The chapel—the roof—then has to be oriented to face him. "It weighs no less than 5,300 kg. Six to eight men are required to push it using wooden poles. We regularly ask visitors who want it to help us."

With the chapel correctly positioned, it's time to sail. "Then we position the sails vertically. We secure the two millstones and install a safety rope. Then, much like you would on a ladder, we climb onto the laths, the slats of the sails. And we sail." A whole process that visitors will be able to observe this Saturday and Sunday.

In the mill's lair

Then, it's time for explanations from volunteers who will retrace the history of these mills. "We'll explain, in particular, that they were in operation until the mid-19th century. And that in the mid-18th century, they produced nearly 50 tons of flour a year."

The operation of the sails will also be detailed. "Our mill has eight sails. But they can only be sailed in pairs: 2, 4, 6, or 8, symmetrically, not side by side. So, the more wind there is, the less sail we sail. And vice versa."

But the highlight of the show is obviously inside, when you enter the building's inner sanctum. "We first focus on photos of the mills before the 1995 renovation." Upstairs, it's time to discover the mechanics and gears. "We detail the workings of the spinning wheel," this large wheel made up of 40 wooden teeth called alluchons. These drive a pinion - the lantern - itself made up of eight spindles, which drives the millstone. "So by dividing 40 by eight, we get five revolutions of the rotating millstone for one revolution of the sails."

Whole wheat milling will then be produced. "The rotating millstone is visible. Thanks to the installation of a window, you can see it in action. You can hear the noise of the gears. You can really observe the entire process of how a windmill works." And Alain is delighted: "It's exceptional. And we welcome visitors with a smile and warmth! It's our trademark."

Please also note that other visits will be scheduled for the last weekend of June, this time as part of the Country Heritage and Mill Days.

>"Moulins en fête", May 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in Régusse. Free tour of about an hour, no reservation required. Information: 06 24 12 26 09. Email: [email protected].