Today we are going to Bassemberg, the smallest village in the valley in terms of population, to meet a person with a big heart and many talents: Monique Leibel.
You're probably familiar with Monique, also known as "Les Délices de Joséphine": she's the crêpe stand at the Villé farmers' market during the summer, where you can also find delicious compotes, jellies, jams, syrups, gingerbread, and, more recently, nougat. A 100% Villé Valley, 100% Bassemberg creation.
Monique, why "Josephine's Delights"?
Simply in memory of my adoptive mother, an extraordinary woman, a very great cook, an unforgettable woman who passed everything on to me.
Tell us about your adventure…
Ten years ago, I was self-employed. And in 2015, I decided to create my own company to take a new direction in my life. At my age, some people think about retirement, but I love what I do so much that I don't think about it, that we don't think about it… not yet.
I say "we" because Albert, my husband, my soulmate, is never far from me. He encourages and reassures me. We had a building constructed to house my production workshop. My workshop is a source of creativity; I never stop!
And where do your fruits come from?
I'm very lucky to be able to work with fruit from our valley. While Albert goes fruit or flower picking, I'm in the kitchen. All my fruit is organically grown or Demeter certified.
What is Demeter?
We let nature take its course; it's a total respect for all the surrounding vegetation. It's respect for nature in working the land.
Where can I find your products?
Available directly from the workshop: 6 rue Rutel in Bassemberg. Also available at markets, some festivals and for home delivery.
Your Chinese portrait:
If you were an animal you would be: I would never want to be an animal, but rather a star.
If you were a year you would be: 1982 (the year of marriage to Albert).
If you were a tree you would be: an oak.
If you were a song you would be: "Tous les cris les SOS" by Daniel Balavoine.
If you were a quote you would be: make your life a dream and your dream a reality.
If you were a man you would be: Louis Pasteur.
If you were a wish: that there be more sharing and sincere friendship.
The final word
My workshop and my garden are my life!
Monique is an integral part of the valley's life. She is active in her village and also participates in the "Villé in summer, Thimister in winter" friendship pact. This kind-hearted woman also owns a guesthouse in Bassemberg with her husband, Albert.
During this crisis period, Monique created a drive-through service at her home in BASSEMBERG. She also offers home delivery within a 20 km radius.
