Deep in the heart of the forest that forms the
natural boundary between the Médoc villages of Moulis-en-Médoc and Avensan, a
watermill known as “le Moulin de Tiquetorte” sits astride the Jalle* de
Castelnau.
The mill
itself hasn’t operated since the Second World War, when the force of the water
channelled through the arched opening was used for the last time to grind grain
unbeknownst to the German occupiers.
The
building itself though dates back to the fifteenth century and incorporates a
number of nifty little features such as arrow slit windows through which the resident
miller could fire arrows aimed at intruders. Happily no-one was taking aim the
day I was there!
The setting
today is peaceful and serene, with just the occasional passer-by stopping for a
closer look and cars slowing down as they drive past. This is all a far cry
from the atmosphere that regularly reigned in the past, when labourers from the
nearby vineyards would congregate here for festive meals, family picnics or
fishing expeditions. The expanse of water by the mill was also the spot where
the local children would secretly escape to for a refreshing dive or to be
taught how to swim by their peers.
The mill is now privately owned, but its immediate
riverside (jalle-side?) surroundings have recently been embellished by the
local council with stone picnic tables, a ping-pong table and, most importantly
of all, pétanque pitches. And, in possibly unrelated news, after a long barren
period, the Jalle de Castelnau is once again home to an increasing number of
fish!
*”Jalle” is the word used in reference to the many streams and rivers in the area that flow eastwards into the Gironde estuary.
- Find it: Route de Tiquetorte, Moulis-en-Médoc
0 commentaires: