Moulin de Gaillardin

Moulin de Gaillardin stands on the edge of Chapelon, a small village in the Loiret department, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. It is the last surviving post mill — a windmill whose entire body pivots on a central post — in the whole Gâtinais area, and today it functions as the unofficial landmark of the village. The mill sits at 4 Route de Moulon.

How old is the mill?

The site is first recorded in 1457, when it was known as "Moulin de Nuisement" — a name tied to the large plot of land it occupied, which reportedly interfered with nearby farming. A document from 1574 refers to it as "Moulin de Chapelon," and the name "Moulin Gaillardin," still used today, appeared in the 17th century. The mill has been listed as a French historic monument (monument historique) since 26 December 1976.

Why did it stop working?

Commercial grinding at the mill ended between 1890 and 1895. Its sails were later torn off in a storm, and in 1940 they were burned by German soldiers during the occupation. The structure stood in a badly damaged state for decades until 1980, when restoration began: the mill body was moved to a spot known as "la Claye," and in June 1982 new sails, each 8 metres long, were fitted.

How big is the structure?

The mill reaches 25 metres in height and weighs 40 tonnes, making it one of the largest surviving post mills in France. A further round of restoration work on the tower and mechanism was completed in June 2023, bringing the mill closer to its historical appearance.

Can visitors go inside?

Moulin de Gaillardin opens to visitors during the summer season. The site is cared for by the local Association du Moulin Gaillardin, which organises visits and raises funds for ongoing conservation work. Enquiries about visiting are handled through the town hall (mairie) in Chapelon, by phone at 02 38 95 51 86 or by email at jardiclaisse@orange.fr.

Who is this stop for?

The mill appeals to visitors interested in rural architecture and the agricultural history of the Gâtinais region, as well as families looking for a quiet, low-key stop while exploring the Loiret countryside. It stands in open farmland with views over the surrounding fields, making it a convenient short detour between Orléans and Montargis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Moulin de Gaillardin be visited with a guide? Visits are organised by the local association that maintains the mill; details on dates and booking are available through the Chapelon town hall (02 38 95 51 86).

What makes a post mill different from an ordinary windmill? In a post mill, the entire body housing the milling machinery pivots on a central post to face the wind, unlike the more common tower mills, where only the cap and sails rotate while the main structure stays fixed.

When is the mill open to visitors? Moulin de Gaillardin welcomes visitors during the summer months; it is best to confirm exact opening times by phone or email beforehand.

Is the mill still in operation? It no longer grinds grain commercially, having ceased that activity around the turn of the 20th century. Today it stands as a protected historic monument and tourist attraction, following restoration work completed in 2023.