MOULIN PENDU DE CHAMPTOCEAUX

Listed as a Historic Monument, this building dates back to the 13th century, but the presence of a mill on the Loire at Champtoceaux dates back to the 11th century. The Moulin Pendu is 46 m long and 7.50 m high, making it a rather imposing building on the Loire. Long presented as a river tollbooth, since there was a port there as early as the 7th century, it is now proven that this building was a water mill. Yes, boats could never have passed under its 2 pointed arches. Under the arches, paddlewheels were suspended, turned by the Loire River and driving the millstones upstairs, hence the name “hanging mill”. The mill also housed a room for storing wheat and flour, as well as the miller’s lodgings. The tollgate was actually located diagonally across from the Moulin Pendu, and took the form of a dam. This mill was built at the same time as the medieval town, and remains of it can still be seen on the heights. The Moulin Pendu is located at “Le Cul du Moulin” at the foot of Champtoceaux, near the landing stage of the “La Luce” boat. Just 1km away, the remains of the Châteauceaux citadel plunge you back into the town’s medieval history. Don’t hesitate to take the “medieval trail” tour!
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