Moulin de la Roche

Moulin de la Roche is a historic windmill perched on a hilltop above the Loire valley in La Possonnière, a small town in the Maine-et-Loire department about 15 km southwest of Angers. Its slate tower, standing among gorse-covered slopes, is one of the more distinctive landmarks on this stretch of the river.

How old is the mill?

The windmill dates back to the second half of the 17th century. In its original form it was a modest Breton-type tower mill, fitted with a single pair of millstones roughly two metres across and canvas sails. At the time, the land it stood on belonged to the estate of the Château de Serrant, one of the grand residences of the region.

What changed during the 19th century?

Around 1860-1870 the mill underwent a substantial upgrade. Its tower was raised to 8 metres, a second pair of millstones was added, and the old canvas sails were replaced with wooden Berton-system blades — a design that had only recently been invented and was considered advanced for its time. A Watt governor was also installed to keep the mechanism running smoothly under variable wind. After this overhaul the mill operated much like the more industrial English-style mills of the period.

What is the tower built from?

The structure is a cylindrical tower built from local slate schist, a stone typical of the Anjou region. It stands 8 metres tall with a diameter of 6 metres, and its walls are notably thick — 90 centimetres at the base, tapering to 70 centimetres near the top. That mass is part of why the building has survived so well.

When did it stop working, and how was it saved?

Milling stopped in 1914, but the building remained intact, which later made restoration possible. In 1977, following a proposal from the Friends of the Mills of Anjou association, the mill was listed as a historic monument. Three years later, in 1980, the father of the current owner carried out its restoration — one of the earliest mill restorations undertaken in the Anjou area.

Is the mill still operational?

Yes. The original machinery has been kept intact and functional, and the mill still grinds grain — but only when there is enough wind to turn the sails. The current owner, Eudes de Villaret, has deliberately chosen not to install a backup motor, keeping the mill genuinely wind-powered rather than a hybrid installation, which sets it apart from many other preserved mills in the area.

Can visitors go inside?

The mill opens to the public during the national Mill Day and Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine), when visitors can see the mechanism turning. Outside those dates, visits can be arranged directly with the owner by appointment.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Moulin de la Roche located? In La Possonnière, Maine-et-Loire, on a hilltop above the Loire valley, roughly 15 km from Angers.

How old is the windmill? It was built in the second half of the 17th century, making it more than 350 years old.

Does it still grind grain? Yes, but only when the wind is strong enough — there is no backup motor by the owner's choice.

Is it a protected heritage site? Yes, it has been listed as a historic monument since 1977.

When can it be visited? Mainly during Mill Day and Heritage Days; at other times by appointment with the owner.

Who owned the land before? It formed part of the estate attached to the Château de Serrant.