Scie et Moulins de Sarreyer
Listed water-powered mill complex in Sarreyer, where a single water wheel drives a saw, grain mills and a fruit mill.
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About the museum
The mills in the Val de Bagnes were traditionally driven by horizontal water wheels. In 1837 the people of Sarreyer took a different approach: a single vertical wheel sets a saw and a mill in motion through simple but ingenious mechanisms. Water power and gravity do the work.
With the arrival of electricity and the sharp decline in grain farming, the installation was no longer needed. Today it is fully restored and has been a protected historic monument since 1987. It has been open to visitors as a museum since 1990.
In July and August the mill runs on Wednesdays. Under the guidance of an attendant, long logs are sawn upstairs, and grain is ground or apples are crushed on the first floor. The saw, the two grain mills and the apple crusher form a trio that is unique in this form in Valais. The house is one of the Maisons du Patrimoine of the Musée de Bagnes.
Highlights
- One vertical water wheel powers a saw, two flour mills and an apple crusher
- Listed installation dating from 1837, protected since 1987
- Demonstration of the mill in operation with an attendant in July and August
- Part of the Maisons du Patrimoine of the Musée de Bagnes
Permanent exhibition
- Scie et Moulins de Sarreyer – A working saw-and-mill installation with a single vertical water wheel. Wood is sawn upstairs; on the first floor, flour is ground and apples are crushed.
- Founded
- 1990
- Operated by
- Musée de Bagnes
Admission & discounts
| Adults | CHF 5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Children and young people under 18 enter free. |
| Seniors | CHF 5Same price as adults. |
| Students & apprentices | CHF 5Same price as adults. |
| Groups | –Group visits outside the summer opening hours are available on request. |
| Guided visit (supplement to admission) | CHF 100In addition to individual admission. |
Admission applies to the Musée de Bagnes in Le Châble and all Maisons du Patrimoine. Free with Raiffeisen MemberPlus, the Swiss Museum Pass, ICOM, ICOMOS, Abobo, AG Culturel, VIP Pass and CarteCulture Caritas. A PASS Musée & Patrimoine can be borrowed from the Bagnes library and gives free access to the museum and the Maisons du Patrimoine.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the museum, the historic buildings, with small rooms and staircases, make visits difficult for people with limited mobility. Exhibition texts are available in English.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
|---|
According to museums.ch, the house offers at least one programme for families or children. Children and young people under 18 enter free.
Getting there & parking
Directions according to museums.ch: take the Martigny motorway exit towards Verbier/Grand-St-Bernard, in Sembrancher head towards Verbier, in Le Châble towards Fionnay, and in Lourtier towards Sarreyer. Address: Chemin du Moulin 3.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Visits take place accompanied by an attendant who starts up the installation. Group visits and guided tours can be requested from the Musée de Bagnes. |
