Moulin de Montfuron, Historic windmill in Montfuron, France

The Moulin de Montfuron is a tower-type windmill located on elevated terrain in Provence, overlooking the Durance valley below. Its rotating cap and sail wings remain visible and functional, characteristic of this traditional mill design.

The mill dates from 1640, under Louis XIV, and stands a few hundred metres from Montfuron above the Durance valley. The commune has maintained it since 1969. It was restored on the model of the Fontvieille mill with help from the Parc naturel régional du Luberon and inaugurated in 1980, then renovated again in September 2000 by Les Charpentiers de Tradition of Reillanne. In late July 2006 the mistral damaged a sail before the novice miller could furl the cloth; it was repaired and turns again.

The mill is named after Saint Elzéar, and its sails measure 13 metres by 4 metres. It is one of only two windmills still working in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and it can still grind grain with part of its original wooden machinery. Visits are arranged by appointment through the Montfuron town hall.

Visitors need to book in advance to see the interior of the mill. The best time to visit is during cooler parts of the day, especially if you plan to walk uphill to reach the elevated location.

The mill continues to grind flour today using traditional milling methods that have not changed significantly since its early days. This active restoration work demonstrates how historic mills can remain productive rather than purely historical sites.