the Bruère mill, in La Flèche, continues to make old-fashioned ice cubes

At the Arrow (Sarthe)the tinkling of the pulleys has been ringing for 400 years. The mill of Bruere is the only one in France that produces artisanal ice cream. These are volunteers who, today, make the place live. “All part otherwise pulley, belt and everything is old. It dates from the 17th century. It does not move, it is something very very reliable“, explains Michael Ducreuxvolunteer of the Friends of the Moulin de la Bruere.

30 years ago, the mill ran 24 hours a day, seven days a week and produced ice for the whole region. From now on, it only works three months a year, during the summer, in order to supply campsites and refreshments. Before being bought by the municipality in the mid-1990s, the mill belonged to individuals. The Association of Friends of the Moulin de la Bruere allow today that it does not fall into oblivion. Each Saturday morning, the blocks of ice are sold on site at the price of 6 euros for 20 kg.