First mention of the mill 1491 (≈ 1491)
Acts founding the water rights for Baptiste de Ponte.
1690
Construction of the chapel
Construction of the chapel 1690 (≈ 1690)
Foundation on the field of mill.
années 1960
Last industrial extension
Last industrial extension années 1960 (≈ 1960)
Construction of a modern factory.
20 novembre 1998
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 20 novembre 1998 (≈ 1998)
Protection of the mill and chapel.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Large rectangular building spanning the canal; Chapel (Box BD 78): inscription by order of 20 November 1998
Key figures
Baptiste de Ponte - Living in Avignon
Associated with water rights in 1491.
Origin and history
The Blanchefleur Mill, also known as the Moulin Neuf Mill, is a former water mill originally dedicated to the bleaching of canvases. Located in Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, Vaucluse, it is mentioned for the first time in 1491 in acts relating to water rights for Baptiste de Ponte, a resident of Avignon. These documents attest to the construction of several mills dedicated to the bleaching of canvases at that time.
In the 17th century, a chapel was erected on the estate in 1690, marking an evolution in the use of the site. The mill, originally dedicated to the bleaching of canvases, then became a paper mill and then industrial paper mill. In the 19th century, auxiliary buildings were added, and a last major extension took place in the 1960s with the construction of a factory on the other side of the canal.
Today, only two buildings remain: the large rectangular building spanning the Sorgue, which retains original architectural elements such as cross-sections, doors, a floor and a screw staircase, and the 17th century chapel, whose stucco decor was redesigned in the early 20th century. The site has been listed for historical monuments since 20 November 1998, although the chapel is no longer used as a place of worship.
The mill is powered by a branch of the Sorgue, whose course provided the energy necessary for its operation. Located on the outskirts of the village of Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, it illustrates the evolution of craft and industrial techniques in the region, from the bleaching of canvases to the production of paper.
