Windmill des Bleuces (cad. A 186): inscription by decree of 12 December 1975
Origin and history
The windmill des Bleuces is a cow-type flour mill located in the south of the country of Doué-la-Fontaine, in the commune of Concourson-sur-Layon (Maine-et-Loire). Its construction dates back to the late 17th or early 18th century, although this dating remains uncertain. It was formerly dependent on the priory of Saint-Hilaire de Concourson, suggesting a historical link with local religious and agricultural activities. The building is characterized by a polygonal mass surmounted by an acute cone made of falun stone, probably enhanced in the 19th century, during which work is also mentioned without precision.
Since 1975, the mill has undergone notable restorations, notably in 1978, where its hucherolle (moving roof) and its wings were completely rebuilt. These interventions were intended to preserve its typical architecture, marked by the use of local materials such as falun stone. The site illustrates the importance of windmills in the Angevin rural economy, where they played a central role in the processing of cereals, a major activity of the region since the Middle Ages.
Today, the Moulin des Bleuces remains a testament to the industrial and agricultural heritage of the Pays de la Loire. Its inscription in the title of historical monuments highlights its architectural value and its anchoring in local history. Although the sources do not specify its current use (visit, rental, etc.), its preservation contributes to the collective memory of traditional milling techniques and social organization around the priories, such as that of Saint-Hilaire.
