Le Moulinage de la Neuve

Le Moulinage de la Neuve is the only former silk-spinning mill to keep its original machines in the Ardèche – one of Euope’s most important regions for the silk industry. The equipment is in working order and still uses water power. The mill is sited in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Monts d'Ardèche, in the valley of the river Glueyre. Some 15 silk mills once worked along the river. Moulinage de la Neuve was built in 1860 by Hercule Giraud and closed in 1967. When work stopped, the doors were closed but everything remained in its place. In 2002, a voluntary association took over the mill and began restoration – the Association Moulins et Moulinages de la Glueyre of Marcols les Eaux. Visitors have a guided tour and see the spinning machines in operation in the great vaulted ground floor of the mill.