Moulin de Jérusalem (Goult)

Moulin de Jérusalem is a historic windmill perched on a hilltop above the village of Goult, in the heart of the Luberon in France's Vaucluse department. Its stone tower is visible from a distance and has become a recognizable landmark of this Provençal town.

Where is the windmill and what does it look like?

Moulin de Jérusalem stands on the highest point of Goult, just behind the ruined castle, on rue du Jeu de Paume — the oldest and most elevated part of the village. The structure is a round, two-storey stone tower with walls roughly 1.2 metres thick, built solid enough to withstand the strong winds common in this part of Provence. From around the mill, views open up over the rooftops of Goult and the surrounding Luberon hills.

Where does the name "Jérusalem" come from?

The mill wasn't always known by this name. The earliest written record of the building dates to 1750, appearing on the Cassini cadastral map under the name "Tré Casteau," meaning roughly "outside the castle," a reference to its position relative to the old fortress. The name "Jérusalem" came later, taken from the district of Goult where the mill sits. The most likely explanation ties it to the Crusades, in which the local lords of Agoult — who held power over Goult at the time — took part.

What is the history of the mill?

The windmill was most likely built in the late 17th century and served the local community for grinding grain for well over a century. In 1813 it was sold to Alexis Juillard by the heirs of the Marquis de Donis. A few years later, in 1818, ownership passed to André Bernard, a miller from Goult, and by 1821 the mill belonged to the Michel family. Under their management it continued operating until 1919, when milling activity finally stopped.

What happened to it during the 20th century?

After decades of disuse, the ruined mill was bought in 1950 by the Institut Géographique National (IGN), France's national geographic institute, which paid the Michel family a symbolic sum of 200 francs for it. The site then housed an astronomy training centre run by the national school of geographic sciences. This arrangement lasted for several decades until 1990, when the municipality of Goult bought the property back into public hands.

How was the mill restored?

Restoration work ran from 1994 to 1998. The commune brought in international volunteer work camps, organised by APARE, an association dedicated to preserving Provence's architectural heritage. Thanks to seasons of volunteer labour from participants of different nationalities, the mill regained its original appearance. The restored building was formally inaugurated on 13 May 1999.

Is the windmill worth including on a Luberon itinerary?

Moulin de Jérusalem sits along a walking route that passes through Beaumettes, Saint-Pantaléon and Dragonettes, with a stretch running by the Conservatoire des Terrasses de Culture — a well-known loop that starts from Lumières, the village next to Goult. It makes for a good short stop while exploring the Luberon, combining a close-up of the village with sweeping views over the surrounding hills and, in season, the lavender fields below.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Moulin de Jérusalem located? On the high ground above Goult, just behind the castle ruins, on rue du Jeu de Paume, in the village's oldest and highest quarter.

Where does the mill's name come from? From the Jérusalem district of Goult, likely linked to the Crusades in which the local lords of Agoult took part. The mill was previously recorded under the name "Tré Casteau."

When did the mill stop working, and when was it restored? It operated until 1919. After years as a ruin and later an IGN astronomy training site, the commune bought it back in 1990 and restored it between 1994 and 1998, reopening it on 13 May 1999.

Can the windmill be seen while exploring the area on foot? Yes, it lies right along a hiking route connecting Lumières, Beaumettes and Saint-Pantaléon, directly next to the village of Goult.