The small Lapérouse mill, located on the Combeau stream between the Pont du Chemin de La Chapelle bridge and Bernard Degoutte's house, was built in 1858 after two other mills of the same type built on the Cochatière stream were destroyed.
The mill played a vital role. The miller was even believed to have the power to cure gangrene (a disease of the lymph nodes) or rheumatism by striking the affected area with his hammer used to resurface the millstone. Our village had several mills, built of rammed earth, some of which were swept away by floods.
But the advent of steam engines and industrial flour mills led to the disappearance of the mills of yesteryear from our countryside and landscapes. The small Lapérouse mill ceased operations, and its wheel was stolen during the last century.
Owned by the municipality, it was restored by volunteers, with work completed in 2014.
A celebration will be held on May 17.
