Soete windmill
The Soete mill:
one of the last pivot mills in Hainaut
A turbulent history
The original windmill was erected in 1850. Destroyed by the Germans in 1914, then rebuilt, it was kept in operation by the Soete family until 1965. It then gradually fell into disrepair. After years of avoiding the issue, it was dismantled, restored and moved to the outskirts of Comines-Warneton. Then a fire brought it down, but it rose again from the ashes like a phoenix.
A colossus flirting with Aeolus
Watch out for its sails when the wind sets this 60-tonne colossus alive: they have a wingspan of over 25 metres. A complex mechanism sets the heavy frame in motion and brings the soul of this magnificent mill to life. It is a thrilling sensation that the miller is happy to share with visitors!
A spy mill with coded sails
Sails shaped like a + or an x, an unexpected but effective semaphore. This trick enabled the miller to transmit coded information by modifying the position and angle of the sails.
Good news or bad news? Nothing to report or imminent danger? No wonder the Germans destroyed most of our windmills in 1914-18.
The Comité du Moulin Soete and the Fête des Moissons
Such a mill deserved a dynamic committee that never fails in its task.
Among other things, the committee organises the traditional harvest festival with a varied programme: cucurbit competitions, throw of faluches (a kind of flat bread)… and the unmissable tartine du moulin (slice of bread) accompanied by a delicious Baptiste, an exclusive beer of which the label shows the miller Jean-Baptiste Soete
- Save the date : Fêtes des Moissons in Comines Ten-Brielen, 2nd weekend of September
Visitor info
Opening hours
From 1 May until 30 September
Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Rates
Adults: 2.50 €
Children under 12: free
Location
- Chemin du Moulin Soete, 7 • 7780 Comines
