Bernard Buet and Albert Richard had a dream; to recreate a sawmill in Morzine and to preserve an important historical icon for future generations to enjoy. An adventurous 15 years followed, for this was not a project that could be completed overnight. Safe guarding and enhancing the heritage of Morzine is no small task, after all.
You’ve no doubt strolled passed La Battante Morzinoise in Morzine’s Parc des Dérêches and seen the construction taking place. More recently, you may have joined one of the guided tours and demonstrations of La Battante in action, hosted by one of the many volunteers behind this community project. We highly recommend doing so, if you haven’t already!
La Battante is the reconstruction of Morzine’s ancient sawmill. Built from scratch in the perfect place, the lovingly reconstructed mechanics inside use the power of water to turn the huge wheel, which in turn drives the saws inside the mill. To make a visit is to step back in time, the noise and the smell of wood transports us to the Morzine of yesteryear. 2015 was a pivotal year for La Battante. With earthworks complete, foundations in place and the wooden structure and slate roof fi nished, it was time for more than 200 volunteers to tackle the surrounding earthworks – for the water, once pumped through the mill, needed to be delivered somewhere. Landscaping created a beautiful small lake for us all to enjoy as we tour the Dérêches. This really is a special spot at all times of the year.
2017 brought a steady stream of important developments for the project. Finally, as completion drew near, the association formed in 2012 to manage La Battante commissioned the manufacture of the wooden wheel – the centrepiece of the saw mill. Several studies were needed to deliver the water from the natural spring to the wheel via a suspected canal and on 17th September 2017 – on National Heritage Day no less – the mechanics of La Battante were demonstrated to the public for the very first time.
La Battante Morzinoise is a story of historical passion and perseverance. As a museum, it gives us easy access to the culture and heritage of our very special mountain village. And of course the work continues – maybe it will never end!
