Vallée des Rouets, Industrial heritage museum and valley in Thiers, France.
Vallée des Rouets is a valley with mills and workshops running along the Durolle River, dedicated to traditional cutlery making and showcasing water-powered machinery. The site brings together natural water sources, old stone buildings, and metal-working equipment that demonstrates the production methods used for centuries.
The valley originally housed flour and leather mills but transformed into a cutlery production center starting in the 15th century. Water power from the river made large-scale specialized manufacturing possible, establishing an industry that defined the region for hundreds of years.
The valley embodies generations of cutlery craftsmanship that shaped the identity of this region and the skills passed down through families. The workshops and mills scattered throughout show how water power directly enabled the production methods that made this area famous.
The terrain is uneven and can be slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear and careful footing are important for a safe visit. Some workshop areas are easier to access than others, so it helps to plan which sections you want to explore before arriving.
One of the last working water mills, Chez Lyonnet, operated traditional knife sharpening until 2020 and marked the end of an era. This final functioning mill stood as a rare witness to how the valley had worked for centuries before modern times.
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