Moulin du "Cat sauvage"

Moulin du "Cat sauvage" is a wooden post mill standing on a hilltop along the road connecting Ellezelles and Renaix, in the Belgian province of Hainaut. The structure sits at roughly 112 metres above sea level, making it one of the recognisable landmarks of this stretch of Wallonie Picarde. The entire body of the mill is built from timber and pivots around a central post, allowing the sails to be turned to face the wind.

Where does the mill come from?

The windmill was built in 1750 at the initiative of the Countess of Rohan-Soubise, who was famously fond of mills. Local tradition holds that she commissioned as many as 99 windmills across the region, and had a hundredth one made as a miniature in gold, which she kept as a decorative piece on her mantelpiece. The Moulin du Cat Sauvage belongs to that wider series of constructions, even though it underwent several technical modifications over the following centuries without losing its original post-mill design.

How did the mill survive to the present day?

By the 1950s the building had fallen into serious disrepair and was at risk of being torn down. It was saved thanks to the local Ellezelles tourism association, and in 1958 it was bought by the Federation of the Province of Hainaut. In 1960 the mill was listed as part of Wallonia's protected heritage. Since then ownership has rested with the municipality of Ellezelles, which is responsible for its upkeep and for organising tourist access to the site.

What is happening at the mill today?

The municipality of Ellezelles has long opened the mill to visitors: organised groups can book a visit throughout the year, and open days are held in summer, when the site can be visited without prior reservation. In 2026, local authorities obtained a permit for a full restoration intended to bring the mechanism back into working order, so that the mill could once again actually grind — rather than simply stand as a landscape feature.

What should visitors know before going?

Because the Moulin du Cat Sauvage sits on a hill, reaching it involves a short climb — the same stretch of road is, in fact, known among road cyclists as a popular training segment near Ellezelles. The view over the surrounding hills of Wallonie Picarde is one of the site's draws, regardless of whether the interior happens to be open on the day of the visit.

Frequently asked questions

Can visitors go inside the mill? Yes, but mainly as part of group visits arranged in advance, or during the summer open days organised by the municipality.

Who owns the mill? Since the 1960s it has belonged to the municipality of Ellezelles, which manages the site and maintains it.

Does the mill still grind grain? It is not currently operating as a working mill, but restoration works are planned following a permit granted in 2026 to bring its mechanism back into use.

Why is it called "Cat sauvage"? The name follows the local naming tradition for the region's windmills, though the mill is chiefly associated with the history of the Countess of Rohan-Soubise and her eighteenth-century passion for building windmills.