Spring Artisan Market at Domaine Calmel & Joseph (Marché du Printemps)

Sunday, May 19th-2019 

Today was one of those unexpected surprises. Several times over the past couple of weeks, I had spotted these vibrant pink signs advertising a “Marché du Printemps des Créateurs”. 

I had no idea what it would be and my expectations were low. 

It was being held in the tiny, tiny village of Montirat in the Val de Dagne. 

We didn’t know until we drove into the village and were directed through a long, narrow dirt lane to a grass field turned into parking lot (where there was already many cars parked) that the event was being held at the Le Domaine Calmel & Joseph.

We walked through the estate following pink signs directing us to the venue which was absolutely stunning. 

The property has vineyards, olive trees, almond trees, lavender fields and hives producing honey plus also has several gites/ guest accommodation.

A little history from the Domaine’s website “Twenty years after it started making its first wines, Calmel & Joseph - founded in 1995 acquired a superb estate, a former metairie (tenant farm estate), typical of the Languedoc-Roussillon region.” 

Looking for more info checkout ... 

www.domaine-calmel-joseph.com or www.calmel-joseph.com. 

Olive grove 

Lavender field 

Entry was free, you just needed to purchase a wine glass for €2 which was refunded when you returned the glass. 

Glass in hand we were ready to explore.

Monsieur Honey with his glass ...

There were various artisans selling their top quality creations, the wine cave was open for tastings and purchases, live music for our listening pleasure, several places offering delicious food. 

You could have a grilled steak or pork ribs ... Oysters on the shell ... a type of pizza with buffalo mozzarella and many other choices. 

We went to the wine cave, sampled a couple different rosés ... settled on one we liked and found a seat to enjoy our glass while listening and watching the musicians. 

The cave / boutique was humming with activity.

This little one had one of the best seats in the house ...

It was a very enjoyable way to spend a Sunday. 

We retraced our steps back through the vineyards and the beautiful estate, found our little car & headed back to Montlaur. 

Thank you to the organizers, artisans and Domaine Calmel & Joseph for providing a wonderful day of entertainment. 

p.s. we’ve enjoyed the rosé again with our lunch at “Le Moulin de Trèbes”. 

p.s.s. we will be trying their Chardonnay when we get home, it’s available in Canada at the L.C.B.O.