© WeSavoirFaire
Moulin de la Tour, Sainte-Nathalene
Traditional water mill producing nut oils
The 16th-century water mill in Sainte-Nathalène on the edge of the small Enéa river still manufactures walnut, hazelnut and almond oils in the traditional way.
The wheel of the mill turns an old-fashioned grinding mechanism which crushes the nuts under a large stone and the resultant paste is heated before being pressed and filtered for its oil. There are tours throughout the year and a shop selling their produce.
Visitor comments
- "If you have ever enjoyed a French salad with duck gizzards, walnuts, and walnut oil, and want to take a gustatory memory of France home with you, this is the place." - Trip Advisor
- "Won't take long but perfect as an interesting diversion during a walk. Quaint, atmospheric and good opportunity to buy some genuinely local produce." - Trip Advisor
- "They show a video of the oil-extraction process, they give a tour, but the best part (for us) was simply the product. We bought a one liter can of walnut oil in September, and it is 1/4 gone already on December 31!!! We also bought a small bottle of truffle oil. We were only there an hour, but we were glad we stopped." - Trip Advisor
When to come
The mill is open all year but the days and times may vary from month to month.
April to September: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 09:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:30. Saturday afternoon from 14:00 to 18:30.
October to March: Wednesday and Friday from 09:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00.
