This windmill dates back to the 16th century. First called the La Gardiole windmill, it became the Saint Roch windmill in the 17th century when the chapel named after the saint was built several hundred metres away.
It is one of the town’s 4 windmills. But there were many other mills which also produced flour – watermills. There were 9 in the area.
Moulin Saint Roch Grimaud Var (13)In front of the edifice there is a threshing area. In this area horses tread on sheaf of wheat.
Sometimes, for increased efficiency, they dragged a stone roller. Once the dust and straw had been cleared away, the grains were taken to the mill to be crushed by two millstones.
The miller put sails on the blades of the mill. He would carefully observe several conditions, like the strength and direction of the wind, while the wheat was being ground. When the millstones ground fast enough it was possible to produce good flour. These mills stopped operating at the beginning of the 20th century.
In the 1990s, the roof, the sails and the mechanics of the windmill were restored. Unfortunately, when the time came to put the mill back into operation, a part of the building work was damaged and Saint-Roch windmill can no longer produce flour today.
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Moulin Saint Roch Grimaud Var 28Windmills have become a symbol of Provence, particularly thanks to the famous ‘Letters from my windmill’ collection of short stories by Alphonse Daudet (renowned 19th-century French writer).
From one century to the next, the windmills and water mills in Provence have shaped the region’s heritage and history. You’re likely to catch a glimpse of one while out exploring. With their sails moving slowly with the breeze, you’ll be whisked away to the traditions and expert know-how of the past.
These windmills and water mills were used to grind wheat or press olives, serving as a reminder of the importance of nature and human ingenuity. They have now been restored and are safeguarded monuments, open to curious visitors looking to find out more about their history and how they work.
– A water mill is always near a river or canal and is operated by flowing water. The water wheel is turned by the current, which then turns a shaft connected to millstones (used for grinding) inside the mill.
– A windmill is often on higher ground or open plains where the wind is at its strongest. The sails turn with the power of the wind, and are connected to the millstones inside the mill by a vertical or horizontal shaft.
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Moulin Saint Roch Grimaud Var 31Every year at the end of June, Grimaud hosts the Fête du Moulin (Windmill festival).
The festival provides an opportunity to see the windmill operating and the wheat being threshed. But also to taste the hot bread and enjoy the traditional Provençal dances performed by the local JFA :folklore group, Escandihado.
