LE MOULIN DE LA MOTTE HIVER

This mill was one of the last to retain its wings in the Pays de Retz. However, its new owner removed them when it was recently restored. One of the door lintels bears the date 1839. However, this may be a reconstruction, as the entire village of Chéméré was burnt down by Republican troops in 1793, during the Vendée Wars.

The Motte-Hiver mill ceased operating in 1945. During its last years, the millstones kept turning: the economic climate of the time meant that its services were needed. A steam locomotive was added, followed by an electric motor. People came from far and wide to collect the precious flour. But the story doesn't end there. The central shaft of the mechanism, dating from 1908, has been recovered by the Conservatoire des vieux métiers in Saint-Père-en-Retz. It will be used to build a new mill for educational purposes.

There are three mills in the commune of Chéméré. The other two, no longer in existence, were called Moulin de Chaléons and Moulin du Brandais.

Today, this estate is privately owned and cannot be visited.