Moulin de la Plaine (Barbâtre)

Moulin de la Plaine is a historic windmill standing in Barbâtre, at the southern tip of the Île de Noirmoutier in the Vendée department. Unlike most local windmills, which were built on dunes exposed to the wind, this one was raised inland, on flat ground away from the town centre — a placement that gave the mill its name.

When was the mill built?

The windmill dates back to 1859. Noirmoutier was once known as "the island of a hundred windmills," a nod to the era when nearly one hundred such structures ground grain to feed a community cut off from the mainland at high tide. Only around twenty-one survive today, most of them clustered near the coastline. Moulin de la Plaine stands out precisely because of its inland setting, rather than the usual exposed dune position.

How did the mill work?

The windmill originally carried two simple canvas sails and two pairs of millstones, which allowed different types of grain to be processed at the same time. It was later modernised with four wooden slatted sails that could be opened or folded from inside the building, letting the miller adjust the working surface to the strength of the wind without stepping outside. An auxiliary motor, connected to the grinding mechanism by a drive belt, was also added so the mill could keep working on windless days. Moulin de la Plaine holds a particular distinction on the island: it was the last windmill still grinding grain after the others had already fallen silent.

Is the windmill a protected monument?

Yes. Moulin de la Plaine was listed as a monument historique by decree on 6 October 1977. The building stands at 21 Rue des Polders in Barbâtre, postcode 85630.

What is happening at the mill today?

The mill changed hands in 2023, and in July 2024 it was acquired by the Communauté de Communes de l'Île de Noirmoutier, the local council grouping for the island. The council's stated aim is to bring the mill back into working order and set up a local grain-to-bread supply chain, starting with organic wheat grown on the Barbâtre plain, through milling on site, to bread baked on the island. In 2025, a preliminary architectural and structural survey was carried out to assess the building's condition and plan the restoration work ahead. The project treats the windmill as living heritage — not just a monument to preserve, but a working structure to bring back into use.

Why is Moulin de la Plaine worth a visit?

For visitors exploring Noirmoutier, the windmill is a tangible piece of the island's economic history — a reminder of the era when wind-powered milling kept a tide-locked community fed. Its position in the open landscape of the Barbâtre plain, away from any built-up area, means the mill's silhouette is clearly visible from the surrounding roads and the walking paths linking Barbâtre to the nearby Pointe de la Fosse. It makes a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in industrial heritage and local history, and the ongoing restoration project could turn it into a working demonstration of traditional milling in the years ahead.

Frequently asked questions

When was Moulin de la Plaine built? The windmill was built in 1859.

Why is it called "de la Plaine"? Because, unlike most of the island's windmills that were built on dunes, this one was raised on flat, inland ground away from the town.

Can visitors go inside the mill today? The building has belonged to the Communauté de Communes de l'Île de Noirmoutier since 2024 and is currently undergoing a conservation survey ahead of restoration work — it is worth checking current access information before planning a visit.

Is the mill still producing flour? Not at present, but the new owner plans to restart grinding using organic grain grown on the Barbâtre plain and to set up a full local grain-to-bread production chain.