To be seen from the outside
In Mentque-Nortbécourt, near Saint-Omer, on the heights of the village with its incredible views, the Moulin Lebriez, a windmill dating from the end of Louis XIV's reign (a plaque bears the date 1714), has been brought back to life thanks to the efforts of local residents. Renovated in white stone, it is a striking landmark and a popular stopping point for hikers.
The Nortbécourt mill, or Lebriez mill, is a windmill built from limestone rubble in 1714 (according to a date inscribed on a stone inside the tower). In 1897, it became the property of Alphonse Lebriez, who was the miller there until it ceased operating around 1950. In 1964, Michel Hoyez bought it and saved it from ruin. The mill has been listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments since 1977. The sails were restored in December 1981, but removed in August 2014 due to the breakage of their shaft. The municipality is negotiating with the department and the region to have them restore the mill.