Moulin de Cougnaguet, Medieval watermill in Calès, France
Moulin de Cougnaguet is a fortified stone watermill positioned along the Ouysse River, featuring defensive arrow slits built into its walls. The structure contains four pairs of millstones and displays the mechanical systems that once ground grain for the surrounding region.
Cistercian monks constructed the mill between 1292 and 1350 as part of their agricultural operations. The religious community retained ownership for centuries before the structure changed to private hands in 1778.
The mill demonstrates how grain was traditionally processed into flour using methods passed down through generations of French millers. Visitors can see the equipment that once served the local community's daily bread-making needs.
The site is best visited from April through September when tours and demonstrations are offered to guests. Opening hours shift seasonally, so checking ahead helps you plan your visit properly.
The mill entrance was guarded by a ford that could be flooded by releasing water through sluice gates as a defensive barrier. This clever engineering allowed the structure to protect itself using the same river that powered its machinery.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
