The Historic Planches Sawmill

The sawmill, built in the mid-19th century, is an exceptional example of the region’s hydraulic systems and the craftsmanship of the time. This structure houses a mill, which is powered by a water intake on the Grande Eau river, some 100 metres further upstream. Once the mill is in motion, it drives a network of small wheels and belts which, through an ingenious mechanism, in turn set the machinery in motion.

This building and its saws are among the few that were never electrified. It remained in operation until the turn of the 21st century, having weathered floods in 1853 and 2005 as well as a fire in 1911.

In December 2015, the VD 3209 Foundation acquired the Scierie des Planches with the aim of bringing it back to life. Jean-Philippe Busset, the last surviving member of the line of sawmillers who owned the sawmill, has brought it back into operation to cut the timber used in the building’s restoration. The canal that supplies water to the mill – a bucket wheel – is a larch-timber channel, which has also been restored to protect it from snow. The entire site has been listed as a Historic Monument since 12 April 2017.

Guided tours can be arranged for groups on request. Come and step back in time to rediscover the craftsmanship of past generations!