Moulin de Daudet

About

Nestled in the picturesque commune of Fontvieille, the Moulin d'Alphonse Daudet stands as a living testament to 19th‑century Provençal life and literature. Built in 1814, the windmill has been lovingly preserved, its original machinery still intact and humming in the quiet European countryside. Today, visitors can step inside to see the low‑lying hall where the gears and sails once turned grain into flour. Adjacent to the mill, a small museum celebrates the famed French author Alphonse Daudet, whose affection for the site inspired the stories and poems in “Le Secret de maître Cornille.” The museum hosts manuscripts, photographs and personal artifacts that offer an intimate glimpse into the writer’s life and works. The mill operates every day from late April through November, opening at 11 am and closing at 6 pm (extended to 10:30 am–6:30 pm during July and August). For visitors planning group outings, schools, or organized tours, prior reservation is recommended via the phone line listed on the site. Atjust €2.50 per adult, a small fee grants entrance to both the mill’s historic machinery and the author’s rotating exhibitions. Beyond its literary significance, the Moulin is a charming reminder of rural ingenuity, attracting historians, architects, and families alike. Whether you’re wandering through the wind‑turned waterwheel, browsing Daudet’s handwritten letters, or simply enjoying a picnic on the surrounding fields, the mill offers a peaceful and evocative experience in the heart of Provence.

Highlights

• Historic Windmill
• Alphonse Daudet Museum

Must-See Areas

Good to Know

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 30 minutes