The best road cycling routes around Jonzac

The site of La Baine, in Chaniers, predates the current mill. 14th century: the first attested mills A document dated 1310 mentions cloth mills at La Baine. They were built on piles driven into the riverbed and were used, among other things, for fulling fabrics. These mills then belonged to the dean and chapter of the cathedral of Saintes. They had been destroyed a few years earlier by the Count of la Marche. In 1313, the chapter obtained authorization to rebuild two mills, a weir, and a fishery. 17th century: Colbert's royal mill It was in the 17th century that La Baine gained considerable importance. A complex of five wheat mills was rebuilt on a secondary branch of the Charente, which was not used for navigation. Around 1630, the mills belonged to the brothers Charles and Jacques Duval, who held the beneficial ownership, while the lordship of Chaniers was under the chapter of the Saint-Pierre de Saintes cathedral. Then came Jean-Baptiste Colbert, minister to Louis XIV and Secretary of State for the Navy. Around 1670, Colbert had the mill redeveloped and enlarged to considerably increase its production capacity. The new complex had seven water passages and thus became one of the most powerful mills in the region. Why was Colbert interested in La Baine? The reason was directly linked to the creation and development of the Rochefort arsenal. The mill primarily produced wheat and barley flour intended for the sustenance of the Royal Navy sailors. The grains arrived via the Charente aboard gabares (flat-bottomed barges). After delivering their cargo to the mill, the gabares departed with the flour destined, among other places, for Rochefort. The mill of La Baine was therefore part of a true royal industrial and logistical system organized around the Charente and Rochefort. 19th century: gradual transformation In the 19th century, milling activity continued. The old mills gradually became a true industrial establishment. In 1845, the site was operated by five different millers. From 1897, the complex was gradually brought together by Mr. Lardy, who modernized the facilities and introduced machinery. His son Rémy Lardy succeeded him. 20th century: the flour mill In the 1930s, the mill had become a true industrial flour mill. Its capacity reached about 50 quintals of wheat per day. In 1936, the hydraulic power was supplied by several wheels about 5 meters in diameter. The total water intake was about 4 meters, with a head of 1.50 meters. The facilities included, among other things: two double grinders; a double converter; a pair of millstones; a plansichter; five purifiers. Milling activity finally ceased in the mid-20th century, with sources placing the end of industrial activity around the years 1940-1960, depending on whether one refers to the flour mill or the complete disappearance of milling activity. Today The building has been preserved and transformed into a restaurant, while retaining remarkable elements of its industrial past, notably the wheel and part of the old machinery. The Moulin de la Baine is now located at 14 rue Colbert, 17610 Chaniers, directly above the Charente. A particularly interesting point The mill, the dam, and the locks form an inseparable historical ensemble. The current dam has, however, undergone modern transformations: a prefectural decree from 2012 classifies the hydraulic structure of the Moulin de La Baine as a Class D dam, among other things.

Very pleasant moment. The crossing costs €6 for an adult pedestrian and €3 for a bicycle. You can buy your ticket online in advance on the website. The opening hours are also available online. Upon arrival in Lamarque, there are places to eat and toilets.

Opposite the church, you'll find a small supermarket, public restrooms, and drinking water. Always interesting.

Even more beautiful after its restoration

Waterbird reserve on the north of the island of Oléron

The arrival at Lamarque is great

easy to get to the Médoc

The Saint-Saturnin Church was built in 1898 after the previous church was destroyed during the French Revolution. Near the church stands the Column of the Shipwrecked, an ex-voto erected by Nordic sailors who survived a shipwreck in the early 17th century. Located on the right bank of the Gironde River, Europe's largest estuary, the town owes its wealth of infrastructure and sports facilities to the presence of the Blayais National Park. In the heart of the marshland, its territory boasts typical wetland landscapes, home to exceptional flora and fauna. Discover it on bike rides or by visiting the "Terres d'oiseaux" bird park, next to the port of Callonges. A major producer of asparagus from Blayais, but also a wine-growing commune located in one of the largest vineyards in the world, Bordeaux, Braud-et-Saint-Louis also borders the appellations of cognac and pineau des Charentes.