Moulin de Bézard

Discover the moulin de Bézard: a journey into agricultural history

What if you could step back in time? What if you could uncover the secret of those fascinating windmills that once drove the agricultural life of Marie-Galante? The Moulin de Bézard, nestled in Capesterre-de-Marie-Galante, opens its doors for an extraordinary journey. Built in the 19th century and restored in the 1990s, it has lost none of its splendor, with its majestic sails and original timber frame.

Imagine it: the sweet scent of freshly pressed sugarcane juice and the impressive mechanism that once tirelessly crushed tons of cane. Bonus? A guided tour includes a delightful tasting of handcrafted cane syrup. Another great reason to explore it, don’t you think?

The unique features of the moulin de Bézard

The Moulin de Bézard is far more than just a relic of the past. Its 19th-century architecture reflects exceptional craftsmanship. Built from cut stone, it is topped with a sloped wooden roof, designed to withstand tropical cyclones. Its large sails, regularly maintained, are dismantled every year before hurricane season — a sign of the care taken to preserve it.

This windmill is also one of the rare ones to have retained its original machinery, an ingenious three-roller system once used to crush sugarcane. Listed as a Historic Monument in 1979, it alone represents the agricultural evolution of Marie-Galante. For history enthusiasts, it’s a priceless testimony to the sugar production techniques of the era.

But that’s not all: its surroundings, including traditional huts made from “gaulettes,” offer full immersion into daily life of the past. Visiting this site means not only admiring a monument, but also understanding the very essence of Guadeloupean culture. A priceless heritage sure to spark your curiosity and admiration.

An unforgettable visit: experience and tastings at the moulin

Exploring the Moulin de Bézard is more than just a stroll — it’s a true immersive experience. From the moment you arrive, the charm of the place captivates you: the majestic structure surrounded by greenery invites contemplation. A guided tour reveals the secrets of the windmill, including its still-functional original machinery, which continues to crush sugarcane. It’s fascinating to watch this mechanism in action, a testament to ancient know-how.

Passionate and knowledgeable guides share captivating anecdotes about the agricultural life of Marie-Galante. Your tour also includes a visit to traditional huts, typical of the local architecture, recreating the atmosphere of a bygone era.

To round off the experience, you’ll enjoy a tasting of freshly pressed cane juice. Its natural, authentic sweetness is sure to delight your taste buds. This moment of sharing — between history and flavor — creates lasting memories. Visiting the Moulin de Bézard is embracing an essential part of Guadeloupean culture while enjoying a unique and enriching experience.

Practical information for planning your visit

To fully enjoy your visit to the Moulin de Bézard, it’s important to plan ahead. This iconic site, located in Capesterre-de-Marie-Galante, is open to the public every morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. These limited hours help protect the site while allowing for high-quality guided tours.

Admission includes a guided visit by passionate experts who will unveil the fascinating history of the windmill — from its 19th-century construction to its restoration in 1995. Plan for about one hour to make the most of the experience, which also includes a tasting of fresh cane juice, pressed before your eyes using the original machinery.

The windmill is easily accessible by car, and parking is available on-site. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing water, especially during hotter months. If you’d like to discover more of Marie-Galante’s treasures, combine this visit with a stop at one of the island’s local distilleries — true institutions here. The Moulin de Bézard is a must-see to immerse yourself in Guadeloupe’s rich history and traditions.

Why are there windmills in Guadeloupe?

The windmills of Guadeloupe — and especially those of Marie-Galante — are reminders of a time when the island’s economy was based on sugarcane cultivation. In the 19th century, more than one hundred windmills were operating on Marie-Galante, which earned it the nickname “the island of a hundred windmills.” These structures, often made of stone, played a central role in the transformation of sugarcane into juice for sugar or rum production.

The choice of windmills, instead of other mechanisms, was due to the region’s abundant and steady winds. Their design was carefully thought out to withstand the tropical climate — including sloped roofs and sturdy mechanisms. On Marie-Galante, some mills like the Moulin de Bézard have been restored to preserve this historical heritage and remind us of the industry’s impact on the island’s development.

How to get to the moulin de Bézard in Marie-Galante?

To reach the Moulin de Bézard, located in the commune of Capesterre-de-Marie-Galante, you have several options depending on where you're coming from. If you’re traveling from mainland Guadeloupe, a ferry ride from Pointe-à-Pitre or Trois-Rivières to the main port of Grand-Bourg on Marie-Galante is required. The crossing takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour and offers a pleasant experience with stunning views of the turquoise sea.

Once on the island, you can rent a car to explore the various sites. The windmill is about a 15-minute drive from Grand-Bourg, following well-marked local roads. Directional signs will lead you straight to the site.

For those who enjoy hiking or biking, Marie-Galante offers scenic trails to reach the windmill while enjoying the island’s landscape. Remember that the site is only open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., so plan your visit accordingly.

No matter how you get there, visiting the Moulin de Bézard is a must for anyone wanting to explore the agricultural history of the island in an authentic and well-preserved setting.

Can you visit other historic windmills in Marie-Galante ?

Besides the famous Moulin de Bézard, other sites are worth exploring to deepen your dive into the island’s sugar history.

• The Moulin Murat, located near Grand-Bourg, is one of the largest and best preserved. Now a museum, it recounts the history of sugarcane and slavery through rich and informative exhibits.
• Another notable site is the Moulin de l’Habitation Pirogue, offering an authentic setting surrounded by lush greenery. While some windmills are now in ruins, their majestic silhouettes still mark the island’s landscape, reminding visitors of their economic and cultural importance.

For curious travelers, a tour of Marie-Galante’s historic windmills offers a unique way to experience both the island’s natural beauty and its powerful past.