One December morning, the Himalayan footbridge, suspended above the Creuse, disappears under a gloomy sky. At the foot of this architectural feat, an old mill now houses a gîte with an equally incredible history. Inside, the echo of footsteps mixes with the stories of those who brought this place steeped in history back to life: André Guilbaut, mayor of Cuzion, Lionel Perrot, president of the mixed union of Lake Éguzon and its valley, and Emmanuelle Daout, caretaker of the place for thirty-five years.
“He is one of the few not to have sunk underwater”
“This building was originally a millsays André Guilbaut. It stopped filming in the 1930s, drowned out by the growth of hydroelectric dams. Among the sixteen mills that lined the right bank of the Creuse, this one is one of the rare ones not to have sunk underwater, perched just high enough. »
Property of the Hydroelectric Union, then of EDF after nationalization, the mill became a holiday camp before being abandoned after the Second World War. The building falls into ruin, left to vegetation and the vagaries of time.
From the Himalayan footbridge, a breathtaking view of the lodge, between nature and history.
© (Photo NR, Thierry Roulliaud)
It was in 1984 that a handful of local elected officials decided to give it a second life. “The mixed association of Lake Éguzon, created to develop the tourist offer, bought the mill for a symbolic franc”explains Lionel Perrot. Months of titanic work followed: electricity, water, roof, everything had to be redone. In July 1988, a lodge was opened.
A refuge with friends
Since then, the rehabilitated Châteaubrun mill has been full. “We mainly welcome groups of friends or families in search of nature”smiles Emmanuelle Daout. With a total capacity of around fifty people, divided between dormitories, chalets and campsites, the lodge has become a popular address.
“The large dining room, which formerly served as a dormitory, is today the heart of the festivities. Groups love the setting: the hiking trails, the absolute calm, the GR 654 which passes just a stone's throw away. Not to mention canoeing, which is very popular here. »
In the barn, a dormitory has been set up and can accommodate nearly ten people.
© (Photo NR, Thierry Roulliaud)
However, despite its success, Emmanuelle dreams of seeing the activity extend beyond the busy weekends between March and November. “During the week, it’s calmer. We still lack visibility, especially in winter. But with 1,300 overnight stays last year, we are making progress. »
From stone to soul
Beyond the numbers, the place has retained a soul. The Creuse, imperturbable, continues to meander.
“This lodge is a party lodgeconcludes Emmanuelle, her eyes shining. Christmas, New Year, Pentecost: we dance there, we laugh there. And I have been here since 1988 to watch over all that. »
Emmanuelle Daout has been the caretaker of the place for thirty-five years.
© (Photo NR, Thierry Roulliaud)
