Construction of mill 1852 (≈ 1852)
Icemill equipped with Berton wings.
1914
End of milling activity
End of milling activity 1914 (≈ 1914)
Definitive cessation of operation.
28 mars 1977
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 28 mars 1977 (≈ 1977)
Official heritage protection.
1er quart du XXe siècle
Construction of the new house
Construction of the new house 1er quart du XXe siècle (≈ 2025)
Replacement of two cellars destroyed.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Windmill (Case E 373): inscription by order of 28 March 1977
Origin and history
The windmill of La Croix-des-Noues is a windmill located in Varennes-sur-Loire, in the department of Maine-et-Loire in the Pays de la Loire region. Built in 1852, it is equipped with Berton wings and uses mechanisms (turning and turning) recovered from a Bonneveau mill, in the commune of Brain-sur-Allonnes. This type of mill, typical of the 19th century, illustrates the evolution of milling techniques and the adaptation of existing infrastructures to optimize production.
The mill ceased operations in 1914, marking the end of its industrial use. During the first quarter of the 20th century, a new house was erected south of the massereau, replacing two vaulted cellars in the middle of the century destroyed for the occasion. This reshuffle reflects the architectural changes associated with the changes in mill usage after the First World War. Joined historic monuments on 28 March 1977, it today bears witness to the rural and artisanal heritage of Anjou.
The structure retains characteristic elements of the crowmills, such as the remaining vaulted cellars and the tower of the massereau. Its heritage inscription emphasizes its historical and technical importance, while offering a concrete example of milling engineering from the mid-19th century. The site, although partially modified, remains a significant vestige of local economic activity associated with the processing of cereals.
