Moulin du Rat

Moulin du Rat is a historic windmill standing in the commune of Challain-la-Potherie, southwest of Segré, in the Maine-et-Loire department. Its nine-metre slate tower has marked this corner of Anjou for over two centuries, even though the mill itself hasn't ground grain in decades.

How old is the mill?

The Moulin du Rat was built between 1796 and 1827, using rubble slate masonry quarried from the Pays Segréen area — a material long favoured in this part of Anjou for both walls and roofing. Shortly after 1859, the tower was raised to its current height, giving the structure the taller profile that still stands out above the surrounding fields today.

What does the mill look like?

This is a classic tower mill (moulin-tour), rising three storeys under a roof covered in wooden shingles. A cylindrical shaft of dry slate rubble carries a rotating cap, which the miller could turn to face the wind using a winch mounted on the third floor. That winch let a single person reorient the sails without moving the whole building — a common feature of larger tower mills from this period.

What machinery did it hold?

The mill started out with a single pair of millstones. Over time it was upgraded: Berton sails — a self-regulating design with movable slats that adjusted to wind strength — were fitted, and the number of millstones grew to three pairs. Those three pairs turned on the second floor, while the ground floor housed the sifting equipment (bluterie) and the station where finished flour was bagged. Grinding above, processing and packing below — a layout typical of the more substantial windmills of the era.

Why is it a protected monument?

Moulin du Rat was listed as a monument historique by decree on 21 November 1975. The protection reflects its value as one of the better-preserved tower mills in the Segréen area, documenting both a local building tradition in slate and a pre-industrial method of milling grain.

What is its connection to Pierre Bonte?

Part of the mill's local fame comes from Pierre Bonte, the well-known French radio and television presenter. Bonte used to travel to Challain to take part in the popular festivities held around the mill, and struck up a friendship with the local miller. Those visits and the events surrounding them are still remembered by residents of the commune.

Is the mill still in operation?

No. Moulin du Rat has stood idle for some time, its sails no longer turning, and the building is in need of restoration work. In the mid-2020s, the local association Amis des Moulins d'Anjou, the municipality, and residents of Challain-la-Potherie came together to push for the mill's preservation, aiming to keep it standing as a witness to the area's milling history.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Moulin du Rat located? In the commune of Challain-la-Potherie, in the Maine-et-Loire department, southwest of the town of Segré.

When was the mill built? Between 1796 and 1827; it was raised to its current height shortly after 1859.

What is the mill made of? Rubble slate masonry sourced from the Pays Segréen area, topped with a wooden shingle roof.

How many pairs of millstones did it have? Three pairs at its fullest extent, after starting with just one and being fitted with Berton sails.

Is Moulin du Rat a listed monument? Yes, it was listed as a monument historique by decree on 21 November 1975.

Can visitors see the mill? The mill is currently disused and is the focus of preservation efforts by a local association and residents; it's worth checking current access status with local authorities before visiting.