A symbol of a bygone era, the Mison still bears witness to the importance of fruit in the heart of this fruit-growing region, and in the life of the community.
This old copper still, manufactured in 1933, remained in operation until 1997. Designed to be mobile, it has never been moved since its purchase! And with good reason… it was ideally located, with unlimited water, near the Armands washhouse. Once the fermented fruit (mainly grapes and pears) had been distilled, the residues were stored in nearby houses, and the pigeons and other birds that came to peck at them, left laden with alcohol in an uncertain flight.
Every year from September to November, during the distillation period, the still represented a convivial and festive meeting place. The “bouilleurs de cru” (distillers) loaded the fire, collected the brandy and measured the alcohol content.
You can continue your visit by climbing up to the Château de Mison, from where you can admire a beautiful view of the Buëch valley.
