Initial construction 1er quart XVIe siècle (≈ 1625)
Mill attested in 1524, structure in wood.
1722
Reconstruction
Reconstruction 1722 (≈ 1722)
Reconstructed on stilts after partial destruction.
années 1910
End of business
End of business années 1910 (≈ 1910)
Stop working forever.
1950-1951
Collapse
Collapse 1950-1951 (≈ 1951)
Probably missing from the building.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Information non disponible - No character cited
The source text does not mention any historical actors.
Origin and history
Moulin Boutet, located in Châtres-sur-Cher, is a historical monument built in the first quarter of the 16th century. Attested as early as 1524, it distinguished itself by its wooden panel structure with brick fillings, carried on stilts above the Cher. This large rectangular building (15 m long by 7 m wide) housed both housing spaces and spaces dedicated to milling, while adjustable blades depending on the level of the river operated its mechanism. A piling bridge connected the building to the right bank, facilitating access and operation.
Reconstructed on stilts in 1722, the mill had a long period of activity until 1910, when it ceased to function. Its decline accelerated after the Second World War: it probably collapsed between 1950 and 1951, marking the end of an industrial heritage linked to the local river economy. Today, it disappeared, showing medieval construction techniques adapted to hydraulic constraints, as well as the importance of mills in the rural economy of the region before their gradual abandonment in the 20th century.
The mill was owned by the commune of Châtes-sur-Cher, in the department of Loir-et-Cher (region Centre-Val de Loire). Its architecture, combining stilts, two slopes and side gables, reflected pragmatic engineering, designed to withstand the floods of the Cher while optimizing the driving force of the water. The accuracy of its location is assessed as very satisfactory (note 8/10), with an approximate address at 337 Boutet, recalling its anchoring in the local landscape.
