This place steeped in history served as an advanced point for the fighters of the First World War, within cannon range of the front. But at the beginning of December, the association Machemontoise who strives to bring to life the Montigny quarries and the fighters who were in ambush there, proposed his tenth Christmas market.
“We received more than thirty exhibitors,” says Pascale Bouchain-Duval, president of the association. Artisans offered their “homemade” products. Like turned wood objects, metal sculptures, Christmas decorations, porcelain creations. But also needlework such as crochet or embroidery, including original items such as small washcloths.
Among the gastronomic specialties were Caroline’s sheep cheeses, Christine’s jams and Thierry’s honey… washed down with a small glass of wine from the Clairoix vines. Nicolas Toupet, dynamic defender of these vines, had put on his master winemaker’s apron, surrounded by members of his team, and gave visitors a taste of local wines.
Stands in the “caves”
A few stands were set up in the troglodyte houses of these historic quarries. Like the Atelier des P’tits Bouts for children, Santa’s House or the Gnomes’ Cave. And for the hungry, a refreshment bar offered the appetizing “Carrières soup”, gourmet platters and “special career” pancakes.
“This event allows us to raise funds for the maintenance and development of the Montigny quarries,” explains president Pascale Bouchain-Duval. So that visitors, more than eight thousand this season, continue to immerse themselves in this eight-hectare site made up of underground galleries. A site where soldiers made cave paintings.
“In addition to visits, the association’s thirty volunteers organize various events. La Machemontoise is preparing its third Nature and Garden Arts Fair on the third Sunday of April.
