The ancient art of the Brousses paper mill

Focus on the Brousses paper mill

The paper mill is located in a village in the Montagne Noire, well situated in relation to our campsites in the Aude. Created in the 18th century, it is the last mill of its kind still in operation in the Occitanie region. This makes it a privileged and rare witness to this know-how that was so important not that long ago. Indeed, the factory closed for a while in 1981 but the activity has resumed thanks to the hard work of dedicated enthusiasts and the creation of the Association du Moulin de Brousses. In 1994, the site reopened its doors to the public with a view to passing on this ancient craft to all.

Nowadays, production continues and visits have become increasingly popular. You can discover the tools used to create handmade paper. Each tool (wheel, turbine, edge runner, motors, etc.) offers you the chance to retrace the history of this creative art because, even before the advent of industrialisation, paper mills had already made many great changes. Thus, you will see that some of the materials used are surprising and even confusing. For example, did you know that some papers were and still are made with horse manure?

After a demonstration of how to make paper, your guide will offer you the chance to try your hand at the process. The tour ends with a workshop during which you will make your own paper (in chiffon) and you can even take it home with you, which makes a nice souvenir. If you are interested, you can also buy paper at the shop.

Finally, if you are on holiday at one of our campsites in the Aude, you will be able to organise a full day of visits in the surrounding area. Combine a tour of the mill with other sites nearby: the abbey of Villelongue, the Alzeau waterfall, and the “monetary treasure” of Saissac. It is also possible to adopt a theme for the entire day with a visit to Montolieu: the Book Village.