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Many centuries ago, our ancestors discovered the possibility of harnessing the power of the elements—which, while helpful and useful on the one hand, could also be a threat as untamed forces of nature—for various purposes, thus eliminating the need for human or animal muscle power. Mills like these are a good example of the human engineering skills of earlier generations: The heavy millstones used to grind grain or press oil, for example, could be powered by wind or—as in this case—water.

The current remains are those of the 15th-century gate and its barbican or artillery boulevard. The earliest remains on the site date back to the 1st century, with the remains of an ancient domus, a street, and its wooden gutter. The first Guillaume Gate was built around 1185; a wall can still be seen a little further along Rue de la Porte Guillaume. Source: https://journals.openedition.org/cem/14214?lang=en

One of the most beautiful castles in the area!

Situated on the banks of the Eure River, the village of Maintenon boasts a peaceful atmosphere and rich heritage. Dominated by its Renaissance castle and famous for its unfinished aqueduct designed by Vauban, the town invites you to stroll. The ancient streets, the banks of the Eure River, and the Louis XIV Canal provide an ideal setting for a break in the footsteps of history.

The Plateau mill is a large water mill, equipped with two turbines producing their own electricity.

Beautiful green space in the middle of the city. Sometimes flooded in winter.

Easy and very beautiful hike following the river and pond; however, be careful at the roundabout on the way back to Lucé.

Using the power of moving water to drive a mill wheel is an ancient invention that dates back to pre-Christian times. Thanks to such a construction, human or animal muscle power could be easily replaced by a watercourse - natural or artificially created - in order to grind grain into corn, for example. There are essentially two different ways of driving watermills: either the water simply hits the blades of the water wheel from below to set it in motion; or the water is guided above the wheel and falls onto the blades; this type of construction is more efficient due to natural gravity.