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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Pelouses windmill, located in Chouzé-sur-Loire, is an emblematic monument to the industrial heritage of the Loire Valley. This type of mill, known as a cavier, is distinguished by its structure adapted to local wine needs: it allowed not only to grind the grain, but also to store the wine by limiting the risks of fire due to the friction of the grinding wheels. Its architecture reflects pragmatic engineering, specific to the region's agricultural and climatic constraints.

The first Pelous mill dates back to the 18th century, while a second, built in 1820, testifies to the expansion of its activity. However, the rise of steammills and the competition from more efficient watermills has precipitated its decline. By 1895, the withdrawal of its wings marked the definitive cessation of its operation. This monument, which was listed in 1975, illustrates the technological transition that upset the French countryside in the 19th century.

Ranked a Historical Monument, the Pelous Mill today embodies both a technical and a cultural heritage. Its registration in 1975 (cadastre AS 312) highlights its historical value, linked to the rural and wine economy of the Loire Valley. Although its exact location is approximate (23 Rue Ménier), it remains a silent witness to the artisanal know-how lost, between collective memory and preservation stakes.

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