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.

Just Day to Day Living!

17th/18th May 2019

Our week finished with a dark, wet day on Friday which forced us to take a break from our vacation and just slow down for a day or two. 

You see when we travel we don’t like to have a full calendar/ detailed itinerary for the whole period we are away.

That defeats the purpose of doing a longer stay, where we want to just live as at home but in another country.

Plus some our best experiences have happened by not planning too much so there is flexibility to attend events that we did not otherwise know about. 

So we spent Friday and Saturday “à la maison dans la village” ... we stayed at home in the village! 

This was the view Friday morning and it did rain most of the day.

 

Saturday it didn’t rain but was cool and cloudy most of the day. 

We shopped locally in the village, where we could walk to the shops for the day’s necessities. 

We purchased a couple quiches for our lunch and fresh chicken legs for tonight’s dinner from Jean-Louis at the butcher shop.

Next stop the Vival for a fresh baked baguette, butter and the most delicious eclairs for dessert.

 

Some reading for Monsieur Honey, some blogging for me and some “Netflix” movies watched together were enjoyable activities. 

Today’s roses in the Church’s border garden ...

May Birthday in Monze

Well my milestone birthday arrived on May 16th. 

I’m a day older than yesterday and a year older than last year. But I feel the same! 

As we went to sleep last night I joked that I wouldn’t be “64” anymore when I woke up the next morning. 

Happy Birthday to me! 

All that was planned for today was a lunch date with Monsieur Honey. 

We decided on the the “Restaurant le M’11”  in Monze (two villages away from Montlaur). 

It is about 6 miles away as the crow flies, about a fifteen to twenty minute drive (it may be faster if you are a Formula 1 race car driver) on the winding roads.

Situated on the D3 with such amazing views of the vineyards, farmland and the mountains in the background. 

The sun was shining and there was a breeze blowing so we opted to be seated inside. 

We enjoyed aperitifs, delicious tasting wine and food by the open fire. 

You may wonder why I take photos of the menu? It’s so I can remember what it was and can try to recreate the dishes that most intrigued my palette. 

Everything was delicious ... my favourite though was my entrée (starter) ... the goat cheese/ honey /onion compote wrapped in phyllo pastry.  

Monsieur especially liked his starter a tuna & rice salad plate, but as he always says you can’t beat a “French poulet” dinner.  

I watched my pork tenderloin being grilled on the open fire, then served with a most tasty pesto sauce ...

and let’s not forget the French fries! 

We then walked to the winery “Les Jamelles” next door, of course we came away with some wine and some other souvenirs. 

Impressive history of this winery! 

Ah Monsieur what are you thinking? 

My day was complete with many birthday wishes via email, messenger and FaceTime calls from family and friends.

Thank you everyone!