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Heritage classified

Origin and history

The Bigottier windmill is an emblematic building located in Mozé-sur-Louet, in the department of Maine-et-Loire, in the Pays de la Loire region. Probably dating from the 3rd quarter of the 17th century or from 1750, this cow-type flour mill is built on a shale stone base. It illustrates the traditional architecture of the mills of that time, designed to exploit the power of the wind in an area where cereal farming was dominant.

The mill ceased operations in 1908, marking the end of its original industrial use. By that date, its Berton wings, characteristic of the Anjou mills, as well as a large part of its internal mechanisms, had already disappeared. Despite this loss, the mill benefited from protection in respect of historical monuments by order of 28 December 1984, as part of a thematic campaign dedicated to the preservation of mills. This recognition enabled its partial restoration, notably in 1987, with the laying of a hucherolle (moving roof) and new Berton wings, giving it a similar appearance to its original state.

Today, the windmill of the Bigottière bears witness to the industrial and agricultural heritage of Anjou. Its inscription among the historical monuments of Maine-et-Loire underlines its importance in local history, although its access to the public or its possible current functions (visits, rental) are not specified in the available sources. Its exact address, 13 Rue des Charmes in Mozé-sur-Louet, allows, however, to locate it in a preserved rural setting, typical of the Ligerian landscapes.

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