Musée des Moulins Jean-Bruggeman

The Musée des Moulins Jean-Bruggeman (Jean Bruggeman Windmill Museum) in Villeneuve d’Ascq in Lille’s suburbs offers an insight into the historical and cultural significance of windmills in the region. The museum, named after the miller Jean Bruggeman, who was passionate about preserving these structures, showcases two meticulously restored windmills and various exhibits that highlight their role in local history.

Windmills have been a vital part of the European landscape for centuries, particularly in regions like northern France, where the flat terrain and consistent winds provided ideal conditions for their operation. Originally built in the 18th and 19th centuries, these windmills were primarily used for grinding grain into flour, an essential process in an era when bread was a staple food.

The windmills at the Musée des Moulins Jean-Bruggeman were built to serve local agricultural communities, producing flour and other grain-based products. Over time, as industrialisation introduced more efficient means of production, many traditional windmills fell into disuse and disrepair. Recognising their cultural and historical value, efforts were made in the latter half of the 20th century to restore and preserve these iconic structures. The museum was established to honour this legacy and educate the public about the historical importance of windmills.

What to see at the Musée des Moulins Jean-Bruggeman

Visitors to the museum can see both the historic windmills and museum exhibits that provide an insight into their history and cultural significance.

The museum’s centrepiece is its two restored windmills, each with its unique history and construction.

Built in 1743, the Moulin des Olieux is the world’s only surviving pivot oil mill. Although originally designed for producing oil, it was modified into a flour mill at the beginning of the 19th century. The mill operated until 1953 and then fell into disuse before being acquired in 1974, then relocated to Villeneuve d’Ascq and undergoing a thorough restoration process. In 1987 the mill once again was able to produce oil.

The flour mill was built in 1776 and milled flour until 1948 when it was converted into a chicken coop. The mill was purchased in 1979 and restored to a fully-operational mill by 1988.

The museum also features a watermill, which, although less common in the region, represents another important aspect of milling technology. The watermill is set along a small stream and, although it is not working, it would have used water to drive the grinding stones.

The museum also features several exhibits that delve into various aspects of milling and rural life including historical artefacts such as tools and household items from the 18th and 19th centuries that provide context to the daily lives of millers and their communities.

Visiting the Musée des Moulins Jean-Bruggeman

The Musée des Moulins Jean-Bruggeman is near a large park in suburban Villeneuve d’Ascq. Many people combine a visit with the LaM contemporary art museum, which is only a 10-minute walk from here, although there is not much else of interest in the immediate neighbourhood.

It takes around half an hour to get here by public transport. As there is no metro station nearby, a visit involves taking the metro and then taking a bus the remainder of the way. There are several transport options including taking the metro to Pont de Bois and then either bus route 6 or 32, taking the metro to Fort de Mons followed by bus 6 or taking the metro to Jean Jaurès followed by bus 32.

Admission costs €4 and it is open from Monday to Friday.

Allow 2–3 hours for your visit.

We may earn a small commission if you book after clicking the links below.

rue Albert Samain, 59650 Villeneuve-d’Ascq
Metro Pont de Bois (line 1), then bus 6 or 62; Fort de Mons (line 2), then bus 6; Jean Jaurès (line 2), then bus 32
Website museedesmoulins.villeneuvedascq.fr
Admission €4, students €2, children (under 18) €2
Open Mon–Fri 1.30pm–5pm