Moulin de Passe-Avant, Historical watermill in Saint-Leu district, Amiens, France.
The Moulin de Passe-Avant is a four-story timber and plaster structure that stands over a canalized arm of the Somme, housing a Poncelet wheel in its basement. The building combines wooden beams and brick walls into a compact form that connects directly to the river water.
The building was constructed in 1528 on the site of a medieval mill, initially serving grain processing operations. In the 19th century, it shifted to mustard production, marking an important economic change in the mill's purpose.
The wooden beams display decorative masks and heraldic shields that speak to Renaissance craftwork and guild traditions. A statue of the Virgin Mary adorns one corner, reflecting the religious significance these structures held within the city.
The mill is located in the Rue Saint-Leu district, the traditional mill quarter of Amiens with direct river access. Check ahead about opening times, as this protected monument is open only periodically and access may be limited to guided visits or special occasions.
Beyond grain milling, this structure was used for mustard manufacturing and later for textile dyeing, reflecting how mills adapted to shifting economic demands. The building's conversion between different trades reveals practical industrial ingenuity across several centuries.
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