History

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Situated at the heart of the exceptional historical setting of the 17th century foundry of Rancogne, near La Rochefoucauld, the mill « La Forge » has gained new life since its restoration, in 1980, by the present owners, Daniel and Françoise Michenaud.

Once more it produces walnut and hazelnut oil, maintaining a régional tradition. This carefully preserved technical heritage is again a genuine working tool serving a passion for distinctive tastes. In 1911 it was already labelled as roller mill ; its two small wheels had been replaced by one of greater proportions and the building, north with its three levels, now contained new milling equipment : a roller machine and five bolters for daily production of a tonne of flour.

The mill already provided flour for breadmaking in the 17th century, at the heart of an important industrial site, when La Forge was foundry producing armament for the French hany...

It was probably left to fall apart when the forge was abandoned shortly before the French Revolution and was rebuilt in 1838.

At the time, it had two paddle wheels driving two mill stones and a vertical stone that crushed the nuts.

In 1911 it was already labelled as roller mill ; its two small wheels had been replaced by one of greater proportions and the building, with its three levels, now contained new milling equipment : a roller machine and five bolters for daily production of a tonne of flour.

Adapting to modern technology, gave the mill a new lease of live and it made wheat flour until 1960.

It was finally restored in 1980 and is now again a genuine tool while offering to visitors a living retrospective of early 20th century technical creativity.

	The mill already provided flour for breadmaking in the 17th century, at the heart of an important industrial site, when La Forge was foundry producing armament for the French hany...
	It was probably left to fall apart when the forge was abandoned shortly before the French Revolution and was rebuilt in 1838.
	At the time, it had two paddle wheels driving two mill stones and a vertical stone that crushed the nuts.
	In 1911 it was already labelled as roller mill ; its two small wheels had been replaced by one of greater proportions and the building, with its three levels, now contained new milling equipment : a roller machine and five bolters for daily production of a tonne of flour.
	Adapting to modern technology, gave the mill a new lease of live and it made wheat flour until 1960.
	It was finally restored in 1980 and is now again a genuine tool while offering to visitors a living retrospective of early 20th century technical creativity.