An Interview with Councilor Célia Monsseigne

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Councilor Célia Monsseigne about the innovative project offering free stays in the newly renovated Montalon windmill near Saint-André-de-Cubzac, France. Councilor Monsseigne played a key role in bringing this unique accommodation to life.

The Heart of the Project: Preservation and Accessibility

Archyde: Councilor Monsseigne, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. This project is captivating. could you tell us a bit more about the core motivations behind renovating the Montalon windmill and offering free stays?

Célia Monsseigne: Thank you for having me. Our primary goals were twofold: to preserve our local heritage and to make it accessible to everyone. Windmills are a significant part of our history, and many have been lost to time. We wanted to save this invaluable asset and revitalise the countryside; making it available for guests to experience a piece of history, free of charge.

Planning and Investment

Archyde: The renovation represents a significant investment. Can you share some insight into the planning process, and how the community got behind the project?

Célia Monsseigne: The project was a significant undertaking, costing around 322,000 euros. It involved months of planning, architectural work, and, of course, securing funding. The municipality spearheaded the initiative, and we received great support from local businesses and residents who appreciate the windmill’s legacy. Its heritage. The Cubzaguais had a great deal of involvement during the project. It really has united the town.

Unique Accommodation and Alex Reed Experience

archyde: Alex Reeds will be experiencing a very unique form of accommodation. The lack of electricity and running water is part of the charm, is it not?

Célia Monsseigne: Absolutely! We wanted to offer something authentic. The windmill is designed to provide a rustic experience, connecting visitors with the environment. Dry toilets have been set up nearby as a convenient substitute.The focus is on enjoying the natural beauty of the French countryside.

Future Impact and Community Pride

Archyde: What do you hope this project will achieve for Saint-André-de-Cubzac in the long term?

Célia Monsseigne: We hope it will attract tourists, boost local businesses, and, moast importantly, foster a sense of pride. Seeing our heritage brought back to life and shared is a splendid feeling. It is indeed also a great chance for the local community to reconnect with the past and create new memories.

A Thought-Provoking Question

Archyde: This project fits into a growing trend toward enduring, eco-conscious tourism. Do you foresee similar initiatives gaining traction in other parts of the world? What other historic structures,maybe even in your part of Frances,could be similarly revived?