The Moulin à marée du Hénan is a precious example of the maritime and industrial heritage of Brittany. Located in the commune of Névez, in the department of Finistère, this mill harnesses the energy of the tides to grind grain. Its construction dates back to the 15th century, when tide mills were common along the French coast. These mills used the force of the tides to power their mechanisms, exploiting a renewable source of energy long before the industrial era.
The Hénan mill has undergone several phases of renovation and modernisation over the centuries. Initially owned by local lords, it was later incorporated into the public domain and restored on several occasions to preserve its unique architecture and ingenious mechanism. The mill ceased operating in the early 20th century due to competition from steam and electric-powered mills, but it remains a symbol of human ingenuity and the sustainable use of natural resources.
This historic monument is well worth a stop, both for its originality and for the beauty of the site. At low tide, the Aven recedes, revealing magnificent reliefs of mud and a few beached wooden structures.
How they work
The Le Hénan tidal mill operates thanks to an ingenious system that harnesses the motive power of the incoming and outgoing tides. Here is a detailed description of how it works:
- Reserve basin: The mill is equipped with a reserve basin, known as a pond or étier, which fills with seawater at high tide. This basin is essential because it stores the water needed to operate the mill when the tide is out.
- Gates and channels: Gates control the flow of water in and out of the reservoir. When the tide rises, the gates open to let water into the basin. When the tide goes out, the gates close to retain the water in the basin.
- Paddlewheels: Once the tide begins to recede, the water held in the basin is released in a controlled manner through narrow channels, generating a powerful flow of water. This flow of water turns the mill’s paddle wheels. These wheels are connected to gears that transmit the movement to the millstones inside the mill.
- Millstones: The millstones, driven by the rotation of the paddle wheels, crush the grain to produce flour. The Hénan tide mill could grind several types of cereal, thereby contributing to the diet of the local population.
- Maintenance and adaptation: Running the mill required regular maintenance to ensure that the mechanisms performed properly and to prevent sediment build-up in the canals. Millers also had to adapt to changing tides and weather conditions to optimise flour production.
Today, the Hénan tidal mill is used for educational purposes to illustrate the ingenious use of renewable energy by our ancestors and the importance of preserving our cultural and technological heritage. Guided tours allow visitors to understand how the mill works and to discover the fascinating history of this installation that has survived the centuries.
Tours from 2pm to 4.30pm every 30 minutes (summer 2024) on the following days:
- Friday 12 July
- Friday 19th July
- Friday 26th July
- Saturday 6th July
- Saturday 13th July
- Saturday 20th July
- Saturday 27 July
- Sunday 7 July
- Sunday 14 July
- Sunday 21 July
- Sunday 28 July
- Friday 2 August
- Friday 9 August
- Friday 16 August
- Friday 23 August
- Friday 30 August
- Saturday 3 August
- Saturday 10 August
- Saturday 17th August
- Saturday 24 August
- Saturday 31 August
- Sunday 4 August
- Sunday 11 August
- Sunday 18 August
- Sunday 22 August
