Located just 30 minutes from Paris is the unique and captivating Moulin Jaune. Spanning 12,000 km², the Île-de-France region is home to numerous notable sites and attractions, but none quite like this.
To visit Moulin Jaune, travelers must first make their way to the commune of Crécy-la-Chapelle. Though not widely known, this area has a rich history dating back to 930 B.C. Legends also connect it with Catherine de Medici, who cultivated melons there. However, its true claim to fame is its connection to Moulin Jaune.
Founded in 2001 by the renowned clown Slava, Moulin Jaune spans 4 hectares and is recognized as a “Remarkable Garden” by the Ministry of Culture and “Regional Heritage of Île-de-France.” It serves as a hub for artists, craftsmen, gardeners, and chefs, offering workshops, exhibitions, and residences in collaboration with the public through the association “Le Moulin Jaune en fêtes.”
Due to the nature of the site, it is only open to the public during specific events and open days, with the next scheduled reopening set for spring 2024.
Visitors are greeted with a variety of whimsical sights, such as floating yellow chairs, a pagoda, and a levitating black house. The Moulin Jaune itself, built in 1802, has been transformed by Slava, with each room exuding an atmosphere of imagination and discovery, complemented by captivating exterior murals and whimsical architectural additions.
Architecturally, the building features unique water drainage systems, such as zinc gargoyles shaped like rabbits, to withstand frequent flooding. The mill’s original wheel, once a source of energy, now dispenses “invisible flour” to visitors’ attire.
The gardens, with their vivid colors, offer a visual marvel, and visitors are encouraged to adhere to a specific dress code to participate in the various festivities hosted by invited artists.
In conclusion, Moulin Jaune is not just a place; it’s an experience, an escape from the mundane, and a celebration of creativity and imagination. It is a living, breathing work of art, showcasing the extraordinary things that can be achieved through daring to dream.
