Within the wings of the windmills of Régusse, history and the traditions of Provence come to life.

The peaceful village of Régusse, once a possession of the Templars, rises on a plateau overlooking a vast plain, amid hills dotted with fields and forests. Just outside the village, two windmills stand proudly on a terrace, silent witnesses to a rich past.

A Centuries-Old Village Tradition

Their story, partly wrapped in mystery, reflects a tradition spanning centuries. The windmills once held a central place in village life, where the miller was a key figure, celebrated in legends, songs, and popular sayings. The first windmill may have been built by the Templars, who owned a commandery in Régusse during the 12th and 13th centuries, although records suggest a 15th-century origin.

The mills ground the grain of local farmers. An ingenious system allowed the roof to rotate, orienting the sails toward the prevailing wind—whether the mistral from the west or the eastern wind. These technical innovations, the fruit of ancestral know-how, testify to the skill of local craftsmen.

A Heritage Reborn

In the 19th century, advances in agricultural techniques relegated the windmills to a secondary role, and they were abandoned at the start of the 20th century. Restored in the 1990s thanks to the dedication of local residents, they have been brought back to life, allowing visitors to rediscover their workings and preserve their legacy.

Through milling demonstrations and cultural events, the windmills once again share their knowledge, passing down the rural traditions and skills of former generations.

A Living Place Between History and Nature

These structures, listed as historical monuments, embody the ingenuity of past builders and recall the importance of the wind in daily life, reflecting the Provençals’ ability to harness natural elements to meet their needs.

Find a Bed and Breakfast in the Provence Verte

Witnesses to a rich artisanal and agricultural past, these windmills symbolize the harmony between man and nature, their silhouettes etched upon the sunlit land and the enduring memory of Provence.