To be seen from the outside
PAS DE CALAIS (62) – Le Moulin de l’Aile de Saint-Omer, autrefois situé dans le marais de l’aile (dans le Marais audomarois fut construit en 1866. Le moulin servait à gérer les eaux du marais en drainant celles-ci à l’aide de sa vis d’Archimède.
Several mills existed, located on dykes, which allowed water levels to be maintained at a level favorable for growing vegetables between March 1 and November 1 on 50 hectares of the Audomarois marshes. Severely damaged in the late 1940s by a storm, it was later dismantled. In 2013, it was rebuilt identically opposite the Maison du Marais de Saint-Omer, at Port au Lait Battu.
Built in the 18th century, this picturesque mill stands proudly as a symbol of the region's rich cultural heritage. Its unique design and functionality add to its appeal, making it a popular tourist attraction and a source of pride for the locals.
The Moulin de l'Aile in Saint-Omer is a prime example of a post mill, a type of windmill unique in its ability to rotate the entire body of the mill. This rotating function is made possible by a large wooden post firmly positioned in the center of the structure. The miller used a tail pole to turn the mill into the wind, allowing the sails to harness the power of the breeze and grind the grain into flour. This ingenious design revolutionized the milling industry of its time and propelled Saint-Omer to economic prominence.
In addition to its practical functionality, the Moulin de l'Aile in Saint-Omer also has a captivating aesthetic appeal. The exterior of the mill is made of weathered wooden planks, giving it a rustic, aged charm. Its four large sails, adorned with white fabric, gracefully catch the wind, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. Surrounded by green fields and the serene waters of the canal, the mill serves as a picturesque backdrop for visitors and photographers alike.
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