The Bief du Moulin
The Bief du Moulin
Waterside House
Le Bief is a truly exceptional house, built directly over the mill’s “bief” — an old canal used to channel water to power the mill wheel. This unique setting brings natural freshness in summer and incomparable charm throughout the year. With its bright and spacious living room, generous bedrooms, and direct access to an outdoor area, it is a true haven for nature and tranquility lovers.
Le Bief also features an accessible bedroom on the ground floor, equipped with a bathroom adapted for guests with reduced mobility.
Interconnected House with the “Vigie du Moulin”
Are you a large group looking to enjoy a stay together while still keeping your own private spaces? Discover our interconnected houses, perfect for welcoming big families and friends.
Le Bief and La Vigie are two adjacent houses connected by doors and sliding partitions. Each family or group of friends enjoys their own accommodation but can also easily come together in the shared spaces.
This way, you can increase the capacity from 6 guests in Le Bief du Moulin to 13 guests by also booking La Vigie du Moulin (maximum capacity: 7 guests).
Best features
45 minutes from Paris
Dog friendly
Family Events
Kids friendly
Large Houses for Christmas
Seminar
Wellness RetreatExterior & environment
Included Services
Board games and booksA la carte services
Extra breakfast available
Massage
Meal Delivery
YogaLocation History
In the Île-de-France region, mills are numerous, particularly in the Yvelines area (78). The Richebourg mill is part of an architectural complex dating back to the medieval period. Over the centuries, the buildings have undergone extensions and restorations, up until the 19th century. The Richebourg mill is mentioned in the cartulary of Port Royal (13th century). In 1206, the entire estate was donated to the Abbey of Port Royal by the Bishop of Paris.
The mills were used for flour production and also enabled tile manufacturing. It is said that the monks of Bazainville altered the course of the Salceron stream, which runs through Richebourg, to improve the efficiency of the mills. Such modifications to the landscape were not regulated at the time, and waterways were often diverted freely at will. In Richebourg, it is easy to notice the impact of human intervention on the water’s path, with multiple sharp angles and bends.
In 1745, the Count of Cossé-Brissac, Lieutenant General of the Armies of King Louis XV and High Magistrate of Saulx-Richebourg, became the owner of the château, the farm, and the Richebourg mill. He increased the flow of the Sausseron and built the Honnins washhouse. By 1750, a notarial deed records that the mill had two wheels and four millstones, highlighting the importance of the Sausseron stream in the 18th century.
Its flow decreased with the rise of the Industrial Revolution and the construction of the Avre aqueduct in March 1893, which supplies drinking water to Paris. The chief engineer behind this project was none other than Fulgence Bienvenüe, one of the designers and builders of the Paris Metro.
As a result, the Richebourg mill quickly ceased operation due to the reduced water force and the advent of modern industrial techniques for milling and raw material production.
Today, the Richebourg mill is experiencing a new lease of life — vitality is returning to the heart of this emblematic rural heritage site.
