To see pictures of the guest suites and learn more about
le Moulin Bregeon, the Inn at the Mill, click here
Wind and water mills were a major landscape feature of Anjou in the 18th century, when 2,000 mills crushed wheat throughout the province. Although most closed with the advent of steam power an electricity, the "mill," le Moulin Bregeon, ground on well into the 1960's.
After seven years of renovation that preserved the original crepe facade on the stone walls, as well as the 18th century mill grinding stone and gears, the moulin has been transformed into a model of authenticity, comfort and charm.
Other cultural highlights include the equestrian prowess of France's renknowned Cadre Noire, the elite military cavalry corps, towing excursions down the Loire, and unique mushroom caves.
Many famous chateaux of the Loire are nearby, including some reknown for their kitchens and gardens: Chenonceau, Villandry, Breze, and the Abbey Fontevraud.
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As locals, American proprietor Jonathan Robinson and his partners Pascal Merillou and Bernard Levenez know the hidden treasures of Anjou that tour guides usually miss: the secret antique and brocantes (less pricey antique shops), the best vineyards, swimming lakes, and world-class restaurants.
Guests spend their days with the moulin's owners exploring the marvellous diversity of the area, from bicycle touring to antique troglodyte cavern restaurants, serving 15th century peasant food.
Oldest part of the inn at dusk, where the miller's family lived
Dining table at harvest time
Lunch set up in one of the gardens
Sauccison at Saumur market
Chateau Chenonceau on the River Cher
You can visit a working water mill which stone grinds organic wheat
The local weather:
Le Moulin Bregeon is located in the region of Anjou, the western part of the Loire Valley. The region is nick-named the Garden of France, and much produce is grown there (walnuts, apples and pears -- and almost all the mushrooms and asparagus for Paris).
Surrounded entirely by the quiet countryside, the Inn at the Mill is located in a very quiet village called Linieres-Bouton in a nature park located near acres of forest (still inhabited by deer and roaming wild boar). Parts of the building date to the 16th century.
The Inn at the Mill has 5 suites with their own bathrooms. Your accommodations will be shared: double or triple room occupancy. The village is largely deserted, although a nearby chateau with an interesting history offers renovated guest rooms for a supplemental cost.
You will be returning nightly to le Moulin Bregeon after classes and touring for dinner; you will stay at the Inn at the Mill and there is limited opportunity to go to bars or clubs in town unless you have rented your own car (Saumur is a good ½ hour drive away, 25km south of the Mill). Dinner, with multiple courses often is late, as is the enjoyment of local wines with the meal.
Near the grinding stones
The village of Linieres-Bouton (the old grocery store
on the left with the steps is now the Mill's staff quarters)
