Rue des Moulins de Sannois

Hidden in plain sight, Rue des Moulins de Sannois whispers tales of a bygone era. This street, more than just a pathway, embodies the spirit of Sannois. It holds the key to a captivating story. Rue des Moulins de Sannois takes its name from the historic Moulin de Sannois, also known as the Moulin de Montrouillet. Built in 1759 by François Roger, a winemaker from Franconville, this windmill stood as a testament to ingenuity. The mill operated until 1866. Its central beam, carved from a 300-year-old oak tree, reached a height of six meters. The entire structure weighed over forty tons. Imagine the sheer force of nature harnessed within those wooden beams. The intricate mechanism inside transformed wind into mechanical power, crushing grain between the millstones. Rue des Moulins de Sannois also housed other fascinating structures. The “Restaurant des Moulins” was built in the late 19th century where the miller’s house once stood. Restored in 1994, it became known as the “Maison du Meunier.” Another mill, built around 1789, later transformed into a popular guinguette, a type of open-air tavern. Known as the “Moulin de la terrasse du Père la Galette” until 1920, it was later renamed “Moulin de la Galette.” The Moulin de Sannois, a pivot windmill, is considered the most significant of its kind in the Île-de-France region. Its presence inspired artist Maurice Utrillo, who painted the Sannois mills during his stay in 1912 and 1913. The main mill, having suffered from years of weather damage, was restored and reopened to the public in October 1976, thanks to the municipality, which acquired it in 1939. The entire Mont Trouillet hill, including the mill, was classified as a historical site in 1934. The mill itself was added to the inventory of historical monuments in 1975. Even today, visitors can explore the Moulin de Sannois on the first Sunday of each month from April to October. The Rue des Moulins de Sannois, with its rich history, stands as a tribute to the town’s heritage.