Moulin Bleu, Historic mill in Bourgueil, France.
Moulin Bleu is a mill building in Bourgueil distinguished by its unusual form: a circular stone structure rising from an earthen mound, topped with a barrel vault and an open cone-shaped cupola. The elevated setting and geometric shape made it visible from across the valley.
Built in the 12th century, the mill was originally operated by Benedictine monks from Bourgueil Abbey to grind grain for local needs. In 1873, its purpose shifted when it began processing bark for the leather-tanning industry instead.
The mill served as a vital community resource for grinding grain and later processing materials for the leather industry. Visitors can still observe the physical marks of these different purposes written into the building itself.
The mill sits on an elevated spot alongside Route du Moulin-Bleu, making it relatively accessible by car or on foot from town. As a registered historical monument, access may be limited or require advance arrangements with local authorities.
During World War II, German forces poured concrete over the vault to create an anti-aircraft position atop the mound. This wartime modification left permanent marks on the structure that visitors can still observe today.
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