When people think of the heritage of the Paris region, they often picture castles, churches, or grand monuments. Yet a few more modest relics also tell the story of the Île-de-France. This is the case with the Moulin de la Tour, in Ivry-sur-Seine, which reminds us that before becoming a city on the edge of Paris, the town was surrounded by fields and cultivated lands.
To mark Heritage Days 2026, this monument will exceptionally open its doors to the public. A wonderful opportunity to discover the last mill preserved in Val-de-Marne, a building that has stood the test of time despite the changes in the urban landscape.
The earliest records of the mill date back to the 17th century, though several clues hint that its origins may be older. Some carved stones, notably bearing the date 1415, fuel this hypothesis, though it cannot be confirmed with certainty. Perched on the Ivry heights, the mill once rode the winds to grind the grain produced in the surrounding area and to support local agricultural activity.
Listed as a Historic Monument, the Moulin de la Tour is today cared for and showcased by a volunteer association dedicated to preserving this rare heritage. Although it has not produced flour for many years, it continues to keep alive the memory of a landscape that has vanished, where windmills were part of daily life for local residents.
Over the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026, that familiar silhouette along the Ivry hills invites curious visitors to travel back in time. The tour reveals the story of the last mill in Val-de-Marne, and also sheds light on how Ivry-sur-Seine and the surrounding inner suburbs evolved—from rural countryside to a largely urbanized landscape over the centuries.
Visits to the Moulin de la Tour
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the windmill’s relocation, the city of Ivry-sur-Seine has refreshed the exhibition route around this local heritage landmark. With the help of the guides from the Friends of the Windmill of la Tour association and access to new documents, discover this unusual building within the urban landscape. A medieval-constructed windmill, later modified in the 17th century, it ceased operations in the 19th century. It was once used by basket makers, served as a hay store and hydrocarbon depot before being moved and restored starting in 1976. Inside, you can observe the grain-crushing mechanism and the striking timber framing. The mill has been listed as a historical monument since 1979.
Saturday, September 19
• From 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM: guided tours by the guides of the Friends of the Windmill of la Tour association.
Sunday, September 20
• From 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM: guided tours by the guides of the Friends of the Windmill of la Tour association.
Free entry subject to availability.
Site not accessible to people with mobility impairments.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 3:00 PM ⤏ 5:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 11:00 AM ⤏ 5:30 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Moulin de la Tour
Pl. du 8 Mai 1945
94200 Ivry sur Seine
Route planner
