The windmills of the Beauce

Driven by the winds that race across flat plains, the historic windmills of the Beauce make for an unexpected and original sight. Many are in working condition and open to the public.

Windmills are not just for the Dutch. They have existed in the Beauce since the 11th century and in 1850, surveys counted 811 windmills in the region. Today only 10 remain, lovingly restored by the association Amis des Moulins de Beauce. The association has ensured that these unique structures are now a protected heritage site.

At windmills in Bouville, Ouarville, and other villages you’ll be able to see wheat being ground into flour as a guide explains how the windmills function.

Most of the existing windmills “pivot,” or turn on their base, allowing the wings to be positioned according to the changing wind. The wings themselves can also be folded. The windmill of Frouville-Pensier in Ozoir-le-Breuil, however, is an interesting exception. Built in stone, its roof section turns on a type of rail system to position the sails.

These inventive windmills are part of the industrial and agricultural heritage of the Beauce – and France!

For more information on the Pelard windmill at Bouville
For more information on the windmill at Fernand Barbier
For more information on the windmill at Moutiers-en-Beauce
For more information on the windmill at Ouarville
For more information on the Frouville-Pensier windmill in Ozoir-le-Breuil
For more information on the Paradis windmill in Sancheville
For more information on the Garenne windmill in Ymonville