The Corbières: a journey to the heart of the Languedoc vineyards

A land of age-old traditions and passionate winegrowers, the Corbières region boasts a rich winegrowing heritage spanning more than 2,000 years. This region of Occitanie offers wine and nature lovers an authentic and unforgettable experience.

The Corbières, an age-old vineyard

Winegrowing in the Corbières region began with the Greeks (2nd century BC), but took off under the Romans. Despite periods of decline due to invasions and the Albigensian crusade, the vineyard persisted, thanks in particular to the monks in the 7th century. The 20th century was crucial with the founding of the winegrowers’ union (1908), leading to classification as VDQS (1951) and AOC (1985). The Corbières-Boutenac AOC was recognized in 2024. Today, the Corbières AOC is the leading Languedoc appellation in terms of surface area and the 4thᵉ largest in France in terms of volume.

Discover the Corbières: a region rich in history and nature

The Corbières is much more than a vineyard. It’s a land where landscapes tell a continuous story of traditions, migrations and cultures. And it’s in this cultural landscape that Domaine Calmel & Joseph is located, on the northern edge of the appellation, in the foothills of the Hautes Corbières. Its exceptional location offers a wide range of activities.

The Corbières: a living heritage

Between medieval history and traces of ancient civilizations, the heritage of the Corbières is an open book inviting discovery. Each stone, each monument tells a part of the history of this region:

• Lagrasse Abbey: A medieval monastery that bears witness to the influence of monks on local life.
• Cathar castles: historic sites that dominate the region.
• Villages like Lagrasse and Villerouge-Termenès: where traditional architecture has remained intact.
• Archaeological sites: revealing the presence of ancient civilizations.

Villerouge-Termenes Castle in the Corbières – ©LianeM

The Corbières: unspoilt nature

Far from mass tourism, Domaine Calmel & Joseph offers authentic experiences that let you experience the region from the inside. An invitation to travel and discover, at your own pace. Several options are available:

• Walks on the estate.
• Visits to the winery.
• Observation of flora and fauna.
• Introduction to wine tasting.
• Bike and horse rides.

Find out more about the activities on offer at Domaine Calmel et Joseph on our website. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

Where to stay to enjoy the Corbières?

Located in the heart of the vineyards, 10 minutes from Carcassonne, our gîtes are the ideal base for exploring the Corbières. We welcome you to 4 charming gîtes nestling in the heart of a verdant setting. We offer an idyllic setting for a getaway for two, family or friends. Enjoy the calm and beauty of the surrounding countryside, and let the birdsong lull you to sleep.

Our spacious, tastefully decorated gîtes are fully equipped for your comfort. You’ll find everything you need for a pleasant stay: fully-equipped kitchen, cosy living room, comfortable bedrooms, swimming pool, sauna… Don’t wait any longer and discover what we have to offer.