Moulin de Richard de Bas

The Moulin de Richard de Bas is a historic watermill and paper mill located in Ambert, in the Puy-de-Dôme department of France. The region is known for its rich agricultural and industrial history. The mill sits along a river that provides the necessary water power for its operations.

Operating since the medieval period, it is recognized as one of the oldest continuously active paper mills in France. The facility continues to produce paper using traditional techniques. It offers a rare glimpse into pre-industrial paper manufacturing.

Yes, the facility continues to produce paper today much as it did in the past, serving as a working museum. Visitors can watch the traditional paper-making process from pulping the rags to pressing the sheets. The mill creates high-quality paper often used by artists and bookbinders.

The Moulin de Richard de Bas is a watermill, meaning it relies on a water wheel driven by a nearby river to generate mechanical power. This natural energy turns the heavy wooden mallets used to pulp the paper fibers. It has utilized this renewable water power since the medieval period.