Bazacle, Historic watermill and residential district in Toulouse, France
Bazacle is a historic mill complex on the Garonne River in Toulouse with preserved mill buildings now surrounded by residential structures. The site still harnesses water power, with modern turbines operating alongside historic structures to generate electricity for the city.
The site dates to the 12th century and became one of the first businesses to distribute shares among multiple owners. It served as a major production center for centuries before eventually passing to public ownership and transforming into a mixed residential area.
The neighborhood blends old mill buildings with modern housing, showing how the site transformed from a working mill to a residential area. The remaining structures give a sense of how daily life once revolved around the river and the work of grinding grain.
The area is easily reached by public transportation, with two metro stations and several bus lines nearby. Since it remains an active facility, visitors should be aware that not all areas are freely accessible.
The site features a fish ladder in the Garonne that helps fish navigate past the dam and move upstream. This system shows how the modern use of the place attempts to reduce its impact on nature.
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