Le moulin de Daudet
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Moulin de Daudet Fontvieille

4.3
·2k reviews·Fontvieille, France

A historic 19th-century windmill in Fontvieille, once a retreat for writer Alphonse Daudet, offering scenic views and a peaceful park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Le moulin de Daudet

Moulin de Daudet Fontvieille

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 19th-century windmill in Fontvieille, once a retreat for writer Alphonse Daudet, offering scenic views and a peaceful park.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"Nice stop close to the city centre, good for kids and a short hike."

Vertical photo
TIP

Easy Access Parking

Parking is readily available near the Moulin, making it a convenient stop. :car:

Combine with Local Exploration

Consider visiting other nearby villages and attractions for a fuller experience. :world_map:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Windmill

Historic Windmill

Fontvieille

A well-preserved 19th-century windmill, once home to writer Alphonse Daudet. Offers a glimpse into rural life.

Scenic Views

Scenic Views

Hilltop location

Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with modern wind turbines in the distance.

Park Area

Park Area

Base of the Moulin

A pleasant park perfect for a leisurely walk or jog, offering a tranquil escape.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Weekday mornings are often quieter than weekends. Check opening hours as they can vary seasonally.

Accessibility & Facilities

The walk from the car park is short and easy, suitable for families. Note that the toilet facilities at the car park are only open from April to October.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, beautiful scenery
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

L'Arlésienne is incidental music composed by Georges Bizet for Alphonse Daudet's drama of the same name, usually translated as The Girl from Arles. It was first performed on 30 September 1872 at the Théâtre du Vaudeville in Paris. Bizet's original incidental music consists of 27 numbers for chorus and small orchestra, ranging from pieces of background music (mélodrames) only a few measures long, t...
@classicalmusicart
52.3K likes • 638K views

Easy Access Parking

Parking is readily available near the Moulin, making it a convenient stop. :car: Reddit

Combine with Local Exploration

Consider visiting other nearby villages and attractions for a fuller experience. :world_map: Reddit

La MEJOR RUTA que puedes hacer por Francia es aún muy DESCONOCIDA 😍 ¡Guárdalo! 🔒 • Nuestra última escapada a Francia nos ha descubierto Nouvelle Aquitaine, una región llena de castillos medievales y pueblos espectaculares, además de ser un destino perfecto para los amantes del vino 🍷 con Burdeos y los viñedos de Saint-Émilion. Lo mejor de todo… que está muy cerquita de España 🥹 No entendemos cómo...
@viajeroextranjero
34.3K likes • 792.8K views
Le moulin de Daudet à #fontvieille
orietta_cicchinelli
2 likes • 134 views

Family-Friendly Walk

The short climb from the car park is manageable for kids. :child: Reddit

Check Toilet Availability

Car park toilets are seasonal (April-October). Plan accordingly. :toilet: Reddit

Fontvieille.📍 Fontvieille est un petit village au cœur des Alpilles où l’on y retrouve son célèbre moulin de Daudet. Découvrez ces trésors dans une petite vidéo made in Génération Immo. 🤩 #fontvieille #alpillesimmo #immoalpilles #arles #alpillesimmobilier #immobilieralpilles #provence #stremydeprovence #villageprovencale #villagealpilles
generation_immo
32 likes • 2.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Easy Access Parking

Parking is readily available near the Moulin, making it a convenient stop. :car: Reddit

Combine with Local Exploration

Consider visiting other nearby villages and attractions for a fuller experience. :world_map: Reddit

Family-Friendly Walk

The short climb from the car park is manageable for kids. :child: Reddit

Check Toilet Availability

Car park toilets are seasonal (April-October). Plan accordingly. :toilet: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Moulin de Daudet to be a charming and well-preserved historic site, offering pleasant views and a nice park area for walks. Its connection to Alphonse Daudet adds literary appeal. However, some feel the entry fees are a bit steep for what's offered, and the lack of English information can be a drawback.

"Very nice Moulin; it was used until 1915 and is relatively well preserved. From behind it, you can see modern wind turbines in the distant landscape, as if Moulin de Daudet were watching their “modern cousins” from a distance.
The park area is nice and good for walking / jogging."

Ricardo Polisel Alves

"Short climb from car park or campsite at Fontvieille to old windmill on high point. Good views. Part of a series of much longer walks. Free but no facilities here, toilet in car park is open April to October"

Gill C

"Nice stop close to the city centre. Easy parking. We went up with the kids (ages 9 and 5) ans they liked it. No information in English. You can combine it with a nice hike along the nearby pine forest. I would recommend to combine it as a short stop with a tour of additional villages and attractions nearby."

Tamir Duhovny

What People Like

Historic windmill charm
Pleasant park area
Literary connection

What People Dislike

Perceived high fees
Limited English info

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Moulin is easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. It's a short, easy walk from the car park to the windmill itself. Reddit

Information on public transport options is limited, but driving is the most straightforward way to reach the site. Reddit

There is easy parking available close to the Moulin. Some reviews mention a parking fee. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While the park area is free to access, there might be an entrance fee to go inside the windmill itself. Some visitors have noted separate charges from different organizations. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the most current hours before your visit, especially if you plan to go inside. Reddit

The park area around the Moulin is generally free to access and good for walking. Reddit

The Moulin itself has specific opening hours, and the car park toilets are only available from April to October. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the historic windmill, which was used until 1915, and enjoy the surrounding park area. There are good views from the hilltop location. Reddit

Yes, children often enjoy the visit. The short climb from the car park is manageable, and they might find the historic windmill interesting. Reddit

Restrooms are available in the car park, but they are only open from April to October. Reddit

Combine your visit with a walk in the nearby pine forest or explore other villages in the region for a more comprehensive experience. Reddit

Some visitors have noted a lack of information in English at the site. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic windmill against the Provençal landscape. The views from the hilltop, especially with modern wind turbines in the distance, offer unique shots. TikTok

Photography rules inside the Moulin may apply, especially if there's an entrance fee. It's best to check on-site regulations. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Moulin de Daudet is a great stop for families. The short, easy walk from the car park means little legs won't get too tired, and kids often find the idea of a historic windmill fascinating. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to a piece of history and literature in a relaxed setting. Remember that the car park toilets are seasonal, so plan accordingly. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History & Literature Buffs

For those interested in French literature, this Moulin is a must-visit. It's directly linked to Alphonse Daudet and his famous 'Lettres de mon moulin.' You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere that inspired his writings and appreciate the well-preserved structure. Consider researching Daudet's life before your visit to enhance the experience. TikTok

🚗 Day-Trippers

Moulin de Daudet makes for an excellent, brief stop on a larger day trip through Provence. Its easy accessibility and parking make it a convenient addition to a tour of nearby villages and attractions. Combine it with a scenic drive and explore the surrounding natural beauty. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Alphonse Daudet

Moulin de Daudet in Fontvieille is famously associated with the renowned French novelist Alphonse Daudet. This windmill, one of several in the area, served as inspiration and a place of work for Daudet. He lived in Fontvieille for a period, and the mill is often depicted as his writing retreat. His works, such as 'Lettres de mon moulin' (Letters from My Windmill), capture the essence of Provençal life and landscapes, making this site a pilgrimage for literary enthusiasts.

While the Moulin itself is a historical artifact, its connection to Daudet imbues it with cultural significance. Visitors can learn about his life and literary contributions, imagining him at work amidst the picturesque scenery. The preservation of the mill allows a tangible link to a celebrated figure in French literature, offering a unique blend of history and artistic heritage. TikTok

Exploring the Surrounding Landscape

The area around Moulin de Daudet offers more than just the windmill itself. The park at its base provides a pleasant space for relaxation and gentle walks. For those seeking more active exploration, nearby pine forests offer opportunities for hiking and jogging. The hilltop location grants expansive views of the Provençal countryside, a vista that has inspired artists and writers for generations.

Interestingly, the modern landscape often features contemporary wind turbines in the distance, creating a striking contrast with the historic Moulin. This juxtaposition highlights the passage of time and technological evolution while the natural beauty of the region remains. Many visitors recommend combining a stop at the Moulin with a tour of other charming villages and attractions in the vicinity, making it a well-rounded day trip. Reddit+1

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