You might spot something a little unusual in the middle of an intersection just south of Paris. No, you haven't strayed into Holland, just Ivry-sur-Seine. But what exactly is an ancient windmill doing here? With its 5ft (1.5m) limestone walls, stocky shape and peaked shingle roof, the surprising Moulin de la Tour probably dates back to the end of the 17th century. Owned by the lords of Ivry, the mill was in operation for about 200 years. If you think the structure looks as if it were dropped upon the urban landscape from out of nowhere, you’d be correct. The windmill wasn't originally located at this spot. Scheduled to be torn down to make way for new development, it was uprooted and relocated in May 1976 – all thanks to the city leaders and a few hydraulic cylinders. Ever since then, this unique windmill has stood guard over the Place du 8 Mai 1945.
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