Monuments de l'eau en Provence
Full details
| English title | Water monuments in Provence |
| Authors & editors | |
| Publisher | Edisud |
| Year of publication | 2007 |
| Languages | French (main text) |
| Medium | Book |
| Edition | 1 |
| ISBN | 9782744906800 |
| Topics | |
| Tags | |
| Scope & content | Summary Translation A collection of historic monuments in the Provence region in south-eastern France. Includes three pages on water mills in Provence. A brief account of their history and significance. Gives information on the second century where sixteen water mills were created. Discusses water mills during the Middle Ages. People preferred to install a different type of water channel using the force of the current to project the water for cereal, olives, and walnuts. During the Renaissance the possibility of constructing watermills in a canal is a strong argument by Adam Craponne to finance his projects. Around this period, using mills diversified, they were always used for flour milling, but now also for oil, paper, and pottery, silk and even metallurgy. The wheels were able to be used horizontally or vertically which made things easier. However, there were problems; the machinery was very delicate and fragile. Nearly all of the water mills from the Renaissance period have been destroyed, or disappeared. Mentions the famous water mill, the Quatre Tournants, which was constructed by Adam de Craponne. Briefly discusses the Age of Enlightenment- and physiocrates (a political and economic movement in France from around 1750), and the use of water mills for agriculture, textiles. This was when water mills were at their most popular in Provence, however, most have disappeared now. Discusses the introduction of electricity which might have marked the end of water mills in this region. However, some have been transformed thanks to electricity, so they can provide power to light and generate electricity in the area. Discusses the movement to restore some mills from the 1950’s onwards. Some were turned into hotels or restaurants. Some have been restored and are now museums. Also has sections on other parts of the collection of monuments associated with water- aqueducts both Roman and Medieval, canals for irrigation, navigation Barrages, ponds, Wells, fountains and wash houses. |
Copies held
Accession no. 229166
- Shelf location: C111-HOM
- Donor: Ken Major Collection
- Advance notice required to view in person
