Minoterie

A minoterie is a factory that turns grain — chiefly wheat — into flour. The word comes from “minot”, an old measure of capacity for grain.

Unlike a traditional mill, where a stone millstone turned, the minoterie is an industrial tool: roller mills, plansifters and continuous production. It appeared in the 19th century as the industrial culmination of milling.

Many minoteries, silent today, have been converted into homes, public buildings or gîtes.