Cooperative

A citizen-led project
SERVING THE REGION

L’Auberge du Moulin is a citizen-led project in the hands of its coopérateur.ice.s. It is rooted in a dynamic that puts people before profit and is built around two pillars: unite and shine.

For the region, it aims to enable the development of a social and cultural offering initiated by and benefiting its habitant.e.s, by encouraging conviviality and intergenerational ties, while preserving the village’s peace and quiet. For passing tourists, it aims to showcase a rich natural and cultural heritage, while respecting the environment.

Whether for renovating the building or for the choice of products and the Inn’s tourism offerings, we favor a sustainable, circular approach rooted in local resources.

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An inn saved
by local residents

In 2024, L’Auberge du Moulin closes its doors following the retirement of its manager. Faced with the gradual disappearance of community gathering places in rural areas, local residents decide to act. Driven by a citizen-led, participatory approach, they imagine a collective project to bring this historic building back to life and make it a place to meet, share, and welcome—rooted in its region.

In 2024, L’Auberge du Moulin and its iconic building dating back to 1740 close their doors following the retirement of its manager. This closure reflects a strong trend: in Walloon villages, community gathering places are closing one after another, while a tourism offering develops that is increasingly disconnected from the region, its natural environment, and its habitant.e.s. This situation prompts a handful of villageois.es to react, dreaming of another outcome: taking over the Inn and (re)making it a community gathering place for a community bringing together the region’s habitant.e.s and passing tourists. A consultative process, focused on citizen participation, is put in place. Village meetings follow one another. The idea sparks enthusiasm.

A credible and
AMBITIOUS PROJECT IS DEVELOPING

Team and
GOVERNANCE

The cooperative’s governance is structured to allow everyone to get involved, according to their means, in line with the project’s guiding values: social cohesion, respect for the environment and sustainability, responsible tourism, promotion of local resources, and inclusivity. Various working groups develop the different dimensions of the project:

  • The “Resto” working group, led by the manager, ensures that the culinary offering meets customer expectations and the cooperative’s social purpose.
  • The “Tourism Offering” working group creates walking itineraries known only to locals and guides you toward the region’s treasures.
  • The “Events” working group ensures the Inn remains lively throughout the seasons: cinema, theater, conferences, acoustic concerts, exhibitions, and more.
  • The “Building” working group manages the gradual renovation of the Inn, the minimization of its energy footprint, and its maintenance.
  • The “Local Services” working group explores community services that can be harmoniously integrated into the activity: bread drop-off, children’s workshops, classes, a tool library, and more.
  • The “Garden” working group ensures the best use of the 3,000 square meters of land: vegetable garden, biodiversity welcome zones, flower displays, orchard, sheep pastures, and more.
  • The “Inclusivity” working group, which is cross-functional, ensures that the choices made meet the objective of accessibility for people with reduced mobility, an essential prerequisite for inclusivity.