La Cour - Richebourg Mill Estate

In the Île-de-France region, mills are numerous—particularly in the Yvelines area (78). The Moulin de Richebourg is part of an architectural ensemble dating back to the medieval period. Over the centuries, the buildings underwent several expansions and restorations, continuing up to the 19th century. The Moulin de Richebourg is mentioned in the Port Royal cartulary (13th century). The estate was donated in 1206 to the Abbey of Port Royal by the Bishop of Paris. The mills were used for producing flour and tiles.

Legend has it that the monks of Bazainville altered the course of the Salceron stream, which flows through Richebourg, to improve the efficiency of the mill’s operation. Such modifications to the landscape were not regulated, and everyone would freely redirect water channels as they pleased. In Richebourg, one can still easily observe the impact of human intervention in the stream’s course, with several sharp angles and bends.

In 1745, Count Cossé-Brissac, Lieutenant General in the Army of King Louis XV and High Magistrate of Saulx-Richebourg, became the owner of the château, the farm, and the Moulin de Richebourg. He increased the flow of the Sausseron and created the Honnins washhouse.

In 1750, a notarial act recorded that the mill had two wheels and four millstones, highlighting the importance of the Sausseron during the 18th century.

Its flow later diminished 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 of this project was none other than Fulgence Bienvenüe, one of the designers and builders of the Paris Metro. As a result, the mill quickly ceased operating due to the reduced water power and the rise of new industrial milling techniques.

Today, the Moulin de Richebourg is experiencing a new lease on life—bringing vitality back to the heart of this emblematic piece of rural heritage.