We are really loving staying in the village of Stenay at this historic mill, Moulin Le Cygne. The owners, originally from the Netherlands, bought this property 23 years ago, when it was in shambles. Their description was…..it was a ruin with trees growing out of it. It has clearly been a lot of work and a labour of love. We can see by his workshop that he is a master wood worker and our apartment confirms that. We also love that we have a fully outfitted kitchen where we can cook our meals. It is good we decided to stay here 2 nights.
The 18th century mill, Moulin Le Cygne, has 5 apartments, as well as the owner’s home. It is very impressive.
The large mill originally had several wheels and was used for grain, boards, tan and oil. The flour mill was in operation until 1914, processing wheat into flour.
The apartments all share access and views of the enormous courtyard and gardens. The fig trees are laden with ripening fruit. Plus, their cat loves to spend time here
We visited a supermarket and stocked up on food. We discovered the “terroir” section and found local specialities that we could prepare at home. Terroir refers to the characteristics of the environment..climate, soil etc that impact flavour and quality. Breakfast was a treat…multigrain toast from the bakery, fried eggs, terroir potatoes roasted in oil, garlic and herbs. A nice change from our usual muesli, fruit and yogurt.
Stenay is a small charming village with some interesting things to see…an historic town centre, the Mill and The Beer Museum…the largest and most comprehensive in Europe. It is situated next to where we re staying.
The Brewer’s Star (not to be confused with the Star of David) has no religious connotations. It dates back to the 15th century and it superimposes triangles to symbolize water, fire, air and earth: the four elements required to brew beer. At the end of the medieval period this star became a common emblem for brewers and was placed above tuns as a sign of protection. Today it’s significance has been mostly forgotten, but sometimes it is still seen in advertising or on some beer labels.
The Beer Museum is an extensive, all encompassing endeavour which takes a historic and human view of the history of this global product. We followed its development and growth from a fledgling domestic product to a world wide phenomenon, from Roman times to the present. In the end, it was much more than a museum about beer. A fascinating and worthwhile visit and we were the only visitors to the museum.
It was hard to edit what photos to include, but here goes…enjoy.
Karen PoretI agree with your comment, Barry. I do not drink beer at all ( or liquor ), but the sciences behind it are most intriguing! Reply to this comment 3 months ago
Cultural and societal changes were reflected in the advertising, labels and coasters. For a time, children were featured on advertising…not sure we understand this one.
We have had an extraordinary day in Stenay. As one should do in France, we have eaten well, imbibed local beer, befriended a few cats (and a wee excited dog),toured an amazing museum and learned mush about France through its history of beer.
