Moulin a Foulon de Gaumier

In the north east corner of the Vendee on the banks of the Sevre Nantaise river stands the Moulin a Foulon de Gaumier, This is the only  wool mill left in working condition in France, which is driven by water power.
You  can walk freely around the natural area along the river Sevre Nantaise, inside the fulling mill and a dyeing shed, and taking advantage of  the information space about the processing of wool.

Hydraulic threshing , with heavy wooden mallets striking the woven wool, is a complementary operation to spinning and weaving.
There is a  presentation of the River Sevre Nantaise and all its mills in the eighteenth (100 to 140 mills in between Vernoux Gatine (79) and Clisson (44)).
There is an explanation on a plan of all  the operation. On this plan are given the names of different parts of fulling: le dorme, the mallet, the battery, the trough ...
The importance of waterways and their role in channeling water as energy is also explained:
There are two magnifying glasses to observe the tissue before and after crushing. After the operation, the fiber is very tight and cozy ...
You will find windows where prints on paper, semi-transparent, old photographs depicting scenes of work in 1930 around the village of Gaumier. Looking through these windows you will have a views of live in another era ...



Hours and period of operation:
From 1 May to 30 June: Sundays and holidays from 15 to 19H
From July 1st to August 31st: from 11H to 12H and 15H to 19H.
September: Saturday 15 and Sunday 19pm 11H to 12H and 15H to 19H
Closed Monday and Saturday mornings.
For other dates by appointment
Free admission - Time of visit 1 hour.