Milly-sur-Thérain: Mill History and Cycling Route

The history of Milly-sur-Thérain is shaped by several mill sites, whose development ranged from grain processing to industrial use and later conversions. Their timelines differ considerably: in Campdeville, the mill building became a residence; at the Moulin de Milly, milling gave way to fish farming; and at the Moulin d’Argent, fire and surviving structural features define its history. There are also industrial traces in the hamlet of Moulin des Forges, as well as a cycling route and a picnic area. You can tailor your stay to your historical interests or outdoor activities.

Mills and their different histories

The Moulin de Campdeville was one of four grain mills belonging to the Seigneurie of Troissereux. Its main construction phase fell in the last quarter of the 17th century; 1689 is considered its year of construction. Its affiliation with the Seigneurie adds the context of the ruling estate to the building’s history. Milling ceased in 1894, after which the building was converted into a residence. The period of construction and the building’s later use are therefore two clearly distinct chapters in the history of this mill site.

There was already a first grain mill at the Moulin de Milly in the 18th century; it is shown on the 1784 administrative map of the commune of Milly. Around 1855, the grain mill appears to have been converted entirely into an industrial-scale mill. Milling ceased in 1958; around 1968, the site was converted into a fish farm. It is used for aquaculture today. Unlike in Campdeville, the later change here involved the site, while in Campdeville the building was converted into a residence.

The Moulin d’Argent was originally called the Moulin de Moismont. During the Revolutionary period, the miller Pierre Lemaire built the mill without permission. A fire completely destroyed the Moulin d’Argent in 1983; only part of the wall facing the river and the vertical waterwheel survived. In contrast with Campdeville, the focus here is not on the conversion of the building, but on its structural loss and the few elements that remain.

Industrial history, cycling route, and Étangs de Milly

Industrial activity in the hamlet of Moulin des Forges dates back to the 15th century. At the Moulin des Forges, a diversion channel almost 300 metres long was used to draw water from the Thérain. A fulling mill was built nearby between 1768 and 1784. The diversion channel and the fulling mill illustrate different aspects of the area’s mill history: water management at the Moulin des Forges and another mill building in the surrounding area.

A cycling route also passes through Milly-sur-Thérain: “La véloroute de la Mémoire par les vallées de l'Herperie et du Thérain”. It offers a different way to explore the area than its historic mills. Check current route conditions before setting off.

The Aire de pique-nique de Milly-sur-Thérain is set in the natural, peaceful surroundings of the Étangs de Milly. If you are planning an outdoor break, the picnic area is a convenient place to stop. Opening hours and access may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Senots, Mureaumont, Verderonne, Troussures, Brasseuse, Élincourt-Sainte-Marguerite, Morienval, Verneuil-en-Halatte.

For the broader travel overview: Oise.