Moulin de la Cortina

You’re standing in front of one of the oldest windmills in the region—the Moulin de la Cortina—perched on the hillside among terraced olive trees. This stone tower mill dates back to the 14th century: in 1337, Raymond de Toulouse, procurator to the King of Majorca, granted a man named Jacques Ermengald the right to grind grain here. Over the centuries, its sails turned with the rhythm of the local harvests. But by the 19th century, with the rise of mechanized agriculture, the mill fell silent and slowly crumbled into ruin. Owned by the town since the late 20th century, it was carefully restored using traditional methods, a project completed in 2001 with a new wooden mechanism crafted by skilled artisans. What makes this mill unique is that it’s not just a monument—it still works today, producing olive oil instead of flour. It’s one of the few remaining traditional stone mills in operation, directly tied to Collioure’s centuries-old olive-growing heritage. The olives are pressed in nearby Millas, and the oil is sold here during guided tours and tastings. From April to September, the association “Les Amis du Moulin” offers visits where you can see the sails in motion, step inside beneath the wooden beams, and take in the warm scent of the olive tree—a true sensory journey through history and local tradition. More than a relic, this windmill is a living link between medieval Collioure and its enduring rural roots, between dry stone, sunlight, and the authentic taste of olive oil.