Timeline

Heritage classified

Origin and history

The windmill of Cherves, located in the municipality of the same name in New Aquitaine, dates from the 18th century. Several engravings indicate the year 1796, suggesting that it is the last mill built on this site. It operated until around 1920, marking more than a century of milling activity in the region. Its structure, a cylindrical tower in stone, is typical of the mills of this time, with architectural elements like two doors, a fireplace and a staircase integrated in the thickness of the walls.

In 1973, the mill was thoroughly renovated, based on its original coasts. The interior elements, such as grinding wheels, beams and the speed regulator, are still those of origin, while the upper mechanism (lantern, wheel, rotating shaft and wings) has been reconstructed in the same way, using traditional wood species such as abalone, cormier and oak. The roof, covered with slatted oak, also respects old techniques. This restoration work preserved an authentic testimony of milling engineering of the eighteenth century.

The Cherves windmill has been listed as a Historic Monument since 14 March 2005, with protection covering the entire structure as well as the ground of the plot on which it is located (cadastre YH 143). Today, it is managed by an association and constitutes an emblematic local heritage, although information on its accessibility to the public (visits, rental, accommodation) is not specified in the available sources. Its location, noted as "passable" (level 5/10), suggests an approximate geographical identification, centred around the address "9001 On the Moulins" in Cherves.

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