Moulin Richard de Bas

The Moulin Richard de Bas is located in the commune of Ambert in the Puy-de-Dôme department of France. It sits in the historical Auvergne region. This area has a rich history of papermaking that dates back to the medieval period.

Unlike traditional grain mills, this watermill is famous for producing handmade paper. It is one of the very few operational watermills in Europe still making paper using traditional, pre-industrial techniques. It famously produces high-quality paper used by artists and has even supplied paper for French currency.

Yes, the Moulin Richard de Bas currently operates as a living history museum open to the public. Visitors can watch the waterwheel in action and see artisans dipping molds into vats of paper pulp by hand. The site provides direct insight into the industrial heritage of early papermaking.

The mill's papermaking origins trace back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest paper mills in France. It was remarkably preserved and restored in the 20th century to maintain its historical operations. Today, it functions both as a working mill and a historical tourist attraction.