The Moulin de Richebourg

Throughout the Île-de-France region, many mills can be found, 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 expansions and restorations, continuing into 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 flour production and also contributed to tile manufacturing.

It is said that the monks of Bazainville altered the course of the Salceron stream, which flows through Richebourg, to improve the efficiency of the mills. Such alterations to the landscape were not regulated at the time, and people would redirect waterways as they saw fit. In Richebourg, the impact of human intervention on the stream’s course is clearly visible, with its right angles and sharp 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 mill of Richebourg. He increased the flow of the Sausseron and created the Honnins washhouse.

By 1750, a notarial act stated that the mill had two wheels and four millstones—highlighting the importance of the Sausseron in the 18th century.

Its flow diminished with the rise of the Industrial Revolution and the construction of the Avre aqueduct in March 1893, which supplies Paris with drinking water. The chief engineer of this project was none other than Fulgence Bienvenüe, one of the designers and builders of the Paris Métro. Consequently, the mill ceased to operate due to the reduced water power and the emergence of new industrial techniques for milling and raw material production.

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