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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Passe-avant mill, located 186 rue Saint-Leu in Amiens, is a water mill certified in the Middle Ages among the 25 mills in the Saint-Leu district. Owned by the bishopric and the cathedral chapter, it is entirely rebuilt in 1528 in wooden strips and torchi, with a blanket of slates. Its name comes from the priority of its wheel, operated by the arm of the Clairons of the Somme, on that of the nearby Passe-Arrière mill. The current Poncelet wheel developed a power of 40 horsepower and replaced an older mechanism in 1851.

Over the centuries, the mill has adapted its activities to the economic needs: production of flour in the Middle Ages, then mustard (notably for the Burned Factory in 1871), and finally dyeing until the 1970s. The Revolution led to its sale as a national good, followed by an expansion in 1801. In 1856, a water regulation was established after the replacement of two vertical wheels with a larger single wheel. The site, attached to the Burned mustard factory and then to the Benoît dye shop, fell into disuse before being classified as a historic monument on December 2, 1986.

The architecture of the mill, typical of the sixteenth century, comprises four levels with ground sandstones, poles decorated with masks and arms of the chapter (sand Cross on silver background). A virgin with carved rays decorates the cornice post. Abandoned, the building is partially restored by the association Le Bel Amiens before its acquisition in 2007 by Amiens Métropole for a symbolic euro. A complete restoration, estimated at €572,000, is planned from 2014 to preserve its torchi façade, structure, and hydraulic mechanisms.

The archives mention the mill as early as 1256 (delimitation proceedings) and in 1450 (repairs). In the 19th century, it embodies the transition between traditional crafts and industrialization, with varied uses reflecting the economic evolution of Amiens. Its mechanism, including courier and motor valve, remains partially visible on the first level, near the Poncelet wheel. The Heritage Foundation and the Historical Monuments differ on its last use (dying or mustard), highlighting its versatile role in local history.

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