
Circuit du Moulin de Boisse
The Boisse windmill, dating from 1699, is one of the many mills in Quercy. Monument still intact and in operation.
The wind and the water of the rivers: These were the two sources of energy available to the inhabitants of Quercy until the appearance of electricity. In the north of the Lot, the mills which used them were mainly used to grind the nuts whose oil was commonly used for cooking and lighting. But the mill could also grind apples, salt or grain. This is the case of the Quercy Blanc mills. The Boisse mill, which you come across on the route, is open to visitors five days a year (contact the Tourist Office of Castelnau - Montratier)
Go equipped with suitable shoes and waterproof clothing, protect yourself from the sun, bring water and find out about the weather conditions.
Behind the church, take the path that goes up. At a fork, turn right to climb onto the plateau. At the paved road, continue straight until a crossroads.
To turn left. Arrived at the D 55, go on the right to the hamlet of “Mellet”. Turn right towards “Boisse”, then left. Arriving in the village, the church is worth the detour.
With your back to the church, go to the right. At the cemetery, turn left to return to the D 55 which must be crossed. Pass in front of the windmill and continue straight until a fork.
Turn right towards “Cazals”. At the houses, turn right onto a grassy path that runs alongside a farm. Follow this path on the edge of the woods, cross a stream and turn left on the tarred path.
Take the first path on the right, pass near a pond then turn left. Take the path straight up towards the ridge. In the middle, admire the “Théron” fountain.
At the top, turn left, pass an old mill on the right and continue to a fork in the undergrowth. Turn right on a path with pretty dry stone walls. Take advantage of the view over the Cézac valley. Continue to descend by turning left when arriving at the bitumen.
Before the Lendou bridge, turn left, pass the village of Cézac. At the dirt road, continue straight. At the crossroads, turn left then right on a path facing the road to “Lamothe”. At the top of the hill, turn right. At the next fork, go down to the right to pass in front of the St-Clément chapel.
Go left, then turn right towards “Laporre”. In the climb, go straight on the path then turn right on a hill that leads to the ridge. Continue straight, ignoring the side roads, pass the hairpin bend and go down to the tarred road. Along the way, take advantage of the pretty view of the Sainte-Alauzie valley and its village.
Turn right, cross the D 55 to return to the starting point. Admire the old bread oven on the right before the town hall.