IN PICTURES – a call for donations to renovate an old mill in L’Île-d’Olonne in Vendée

It is one of those symbolic places that does not leave history buffs unmoved. In the Pays des Olonnes on the Vendée coast, the Moulin de Gueffard is one of them. Located at the entrance to the town of L’Île-d’Olonne, the building probably dates from the 16th century and could do with some work. It is with this in mind that a local association, Safeguarding the Mill and the Islais Heritagespear a call for donations, a public subscription to help renovate the mill, the oldest still in working order in the entire Pays d’Olonne region.

A local craze

The operation will make it possible in particular to finance the reconstruction of four wings of the mill, now extinct. It will also make it possible to renovate the various facades of the tower, tested by faults and the passing centuries. Secondly, the work should lead to the creation of a observatory inside the mill to observe the local fauna and the surrounding landscape. The Moulin de Gueffard indeed offers a breathtaking view of L’Île-d’Olonne, but also of the marshes and surrounding towns.

Acquired in 2002 by the town hall of L’Île-d’Olonne to an individual, the mill had no real use since the 1930s. It was therefore gradually abandoned. Launched in 2016, the association “Sauvegarde du Moulin et du Patrimoine Islais” was therefore created with the aim of giving it wings, in every sense of the word, with the support of the municipality. A temporary roof was first installed to limit the damage. And after years of struggle, the renovation work should finally begin, “a great pride” for François Cassan, the president of the association.

Already 12,000 euros in donations

Among the donors, many individuals from the region, but also people living in Paris, Angers or even in Belgium. Two companies also participated in the work, including a nearby campsite, proof of the attachment to local heritage. nearly 12,000 euros have already been collected by the association. She now hopes to reach the bar of 15,000 euros, or even more.

To make a donation, you can send the endowment directly to the town hall of L’Île-d’Olonne, payable to “Sauvegarde du Moulin et du Patrimoine Islais”. It is also possible to contribute online via the Hello Asso website.