THE SAWMILL
A sawmill from the 1930s
Did you know that the town of Méolans was home to more than 15 water-powered sawmills in the 1950s? The last of them is now open to the public!
Nestled deep in the forest on the banks of a mountain stream, this 1930s water-powered sawmill was purchased and restored by the municipality of Méolans Revel to preserve local heritage. Visits are by reservation only and with our guides.
The guided tour will allow you to understand how this period tool works and to delve into the history of sawyers of yesteryear. You will have access to the engine and gear room, and thanks to the power of water, a plank will be sawn right before your eyes. A unique and sensory experience!
Prepare your visit
Visits take place on Thursday mornings from the beginning of June to the end of September, at 9:30 am. For groups of more than 8 people, additional time slots are available upon request.
Duration: approximately 1 hour + access time.
Advance booking is mandatory, by phone or text message to 06 73 41 06 49
The visit is suitable for children aged 6 and over.
Meet at the Maison du Bois for a group departure. We then reach the sawmill on foot (approximately 20 minutes by road) or by car (5 minutes by car).
Don't hesitate to combine the visit to the old sawmill with that of the Maison du Bois et de la Forêt followed by the woodturning demonstration for a whole morning of entertainment!
History and technology
Built and then used by two cousins, Mr. Lebre and Mr. Tron, the sawmill was inaugurated in 1936, and sawn its last board in 1979.
For those in the know, here are some technical details: this sawmill is a vertical swing saw. Hydraulic power drives both the blade and a carriage on which a log is mounted. The pieces made from mountain woods (larch, fir, spruce) were primarily intended for local use.
