The Ruelle des Moulins (mill lane) derives its name from the mills that had lined the Moulins River since the 13th century. The wheels were driven by water from the Moulins Canal, which was channelled through pounds supported by sandstone columns. One of these columns is still visible today on the Route du Port, opposite the Gotetaz fountain. Records from the 14 and 15th centuries show that there were up to 11 businesses operating along the riverbank, including windmills, tanneries, an oil-mill, a saw mill and several grain mills. Some remained in operation right up to the 1950s.
