©Our must-sees: The Liveau paper mill|alexandre lamoureux

Our must-haves The Liveau Paper Mill

On the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise, in Gorges, the Moulin du Liveau combines heritage and creativity. Here, the sound of the paddlewheel still resonates, and the skills of the paper-makers are brought back to life. A living place where history can be discovered with your hands in the paper pulp.

The Liveau Paper Mill A treasure trove of local architecture

Since 1998, the association “Pour les arts graphiques en Vallée de Clisson ” (For Graphic Arts in the Clisson Valley ) has been working with the local authorities to revive the 19th-century paper-making industry at Le Liveau in Gorges. The Moulin du Liveau is a superb example of the region’s Italianate architecture.

With the active support of the local authorities, the mill, owned by the commune of Gorges, has been restored to its former glory as a paper mill. This magnificent site on the Sèvre Nantaise in the Vallée de Clisson opened to the public in spring 2015.

More than a museum A lively workshop to visit

The “Pour les arts graphiques en Vallée de Clisson” association offers activities based on the history and manufacture of paper.

Young and old alike can discover the mechanisms of the paper mill, make their own sheet of paper by hand and learn about printing. It’s an instructive journey through history, with the very real pleasure of reproducing the gestures of the past while having fun doing it.

Inside, a stack of mallets powered by a paddle wheel driven by the river Sèvre shows how paper pulp is made from rags.

Visitors can also practise calligraphy, take part in writing workshops, follow bookbinding courses, and much, much more.

Opening times and bookings

Closed from 2 November 2025 to February 2026

Open from February 2026 to November 2026: every day except Monday, from 2.30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Open during school holidays zone B and summer: Monday to Friday (guided tours with workshops at 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm, 4.30 pm, 5.30 pm) and weekends: self-guided tours (paper demonstration from 2.30 pm to 6 pm).

Make a reservation!

Must-See: The Liveau paper mill sells handmade notebooks on site — ©Must-See: Le moulin à papier du Liveau sells handmade notebooks on site|Moulin du Liveau

During school holidays Workshops for children

During the school holidays, the Liveau Paper Mill becomes a veritable field of exploration for children. Here, you can learn by creating: making your own sheets of paper, playing with textures and colours, or binding a notebook Japanese-style like a real craftsman. Each workshop is an invitation to imagine, manipulate and understand the world of paper in a different way.

And for families, treasure hunts and treasure hunts take young and old behind the scenes of the mill to discover its secrets and history. Le Liveau offers authentic moments of sharing, where minds are activated and ideas come to life.

Make a reservation!

Your testimonials and opinion on the Moulin du Liveau

For all ages!

“A great experience, a good explanation and a beautiful place. It’s very nice to leave with your paper. For all ages!”

S., on Google

A splendid location

“A very informative visit for both children and adults. The setting is splendid, on the banks of the Sèvre Nantaise. The explanations during the visit are very clear and interesting, the mill wheel really turns and you can see the whole paper-making mechanism. We made our own sheet of paper, much to the delight of the children! Once again, the explanations were very good. The use of the press was impressive and the explanations were very detailed, so you could see that we were dealing with enthusiasts. The children were able to handle the press and ask all their questions. The documentary films were a great complement to the visit. It was a great discovery.

Sev., on Google

A must!

“Not to be missed! Splendid location, must-see visit to the paper mill. Top staff! Education and good humour, the perfect recipe for captivating young and old alike, all at an affordable price. 5/5 for a place steeped in history and rich in learning.

Jérémy R., on Google