Castel RiquetProducers of Sweet Onions from the Cévennes.
Welcome to Domaine du Castel Riquet located in the commune of St André de Majencoules, in the Southern Cévennes. Here, the d'Arnal family has been cultivating a typical product of our terroir since 1975: the Sweet Onion of the Cévennes.
This onion is a testament to a unique selection of varieties cultivated by hand and with traditional methods for generations. Only the preparation of the soil before planting is mechanized.
This estate is a family farm, deeply rooted in its territory, which has grown over 4 generations while respecting the environment and the specifications of the PDO. Its sun-kissed granite soil, also known as "White Earth", supports traditional terraced fields and dry stone retaining walls.
Philippe and Claudie d'Arnal were pioneers in the pursuit of quality and adhered to the charter of the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), which was recognized and obtained in 2003. Since July 2008, the Sweet Onion of the Cévennes has benefited from the AOP label, guaranteeing consumers: expertise, origin, and terroir. But what is the difference between the two? The only difference lies in the scope of the appellation: one is French (AOC), the other European (AOP).
"The Sweet Onion of the Cévennes is a unique product made from a variety selected in the Cévennes region over generations and cultivated using traditional methods: The cultivation of the Sweet Onion of the Cévennes PDO is therefore a 100% manual production. Except for the preparation of the soil before planting, which is mechanized, the ten or so production stages are carried out by hand."
If you go to meet them, the Arnal family will be happy to tell you their story, their production and give you a tour of their farm!
Castel Riquet