The White Tower and its Windmill

La Tour Blanche -Cercles is located in Périgord Blanc . It is a rural commune near Charente. We suggest you take a walk in the village and its surroundings , passing by the windmill , restored by an association with love for this curious and useful heritage. A heritage tour will allow you to discover the commune at your own pace.

Photos from the report: Périgord Guide

Visit the White Circles Tower!

Park your car near the market hall and head off for a stroll at La Tour Blanche! A heritage trail is available from the Tourist Office, and a Tèrra Aventura trail is also available in the town, to discover the heritage while having fun! Just scan the QD code located near the Manoir de Nanchapt (the beautiful residence near the square near the church that houses the Town Hall and the Post Office), or check the app (be careful, there is little phone network...).

The Halle dates from the ^18th century, it is a good size and the weekly market takes place on Wednesday mornings . Restored, it also hosts local fairs and events. A miller's path passes through the village, a circuit following in the footsteps of the old local mills! You will see signs to give you explanations on the main heritage elements related to water and wind. Walk in the village, you will notice as notable elements La Fontaine Saint-Jacques and the wash house (from the 18th ^century ), La Chapelle de Pitié and the old hospital for lepers, the water intake (with its curious steam chimney) and the castle (a private residence that can be admired from afar).

The Terres Blanches Site and its mill

Open all year round, the Terres Blanche site is a natural place for walks. There are 3 developed trails (3, 6, 9km) that are fun to do with the family. There are interpretation panels on the fauna and flora. All this is the initiative of the Communauté de communes du Périgord Ribéracois.

The windmill that stands before you is special, because there are very few of them in Périgord, where it is rather hydraulic power that operated the mills. It still transforms wheat into flour today, thanks to the work, passion and perseverance of the association "Les amis du Moulin" . The origins of the Mill date back to the ^14th century. It was in ruins when the land that shelters it, a dry lawn, was bought by the municipality. All that remained was its cylindrical tower made of cut stone. In 2003 the Municipality inquired about its rehabilitation and decided to launch the project in 2007. It was necessary to restore the stone tower, but also the interior, the floors of the different floors to accommodate all the mechanics of the mill again and of course, its blades ! Today, it operates as it did in the past and to find out more and understand all the implications of this major renovation, a real challenge (because few are the millers and other specialized craftsmen capable of completely rebuilding a mill and passing on its operation and maintenance), come and visit the mill in summer when it is open and run by the association's volunteers.

We chose to go there on one of these days: May, June and September from 3pm to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. In July and August, every day from 3pm to 6pm. 1 euro for the visit and 2 euros for the flour. We were able to meet those who allowed the rebirth of this exceptional heritage. Take some coins for the visit but also buy some excellent wheat flour made on site ! Visit the website of the Association Les Amis du Moulin de Terre Blanche .

We hope you have a great day at La Tour Blanche!

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