The Vineyard of Montmartre
Paris’s Secret Vineyard in Montmartre
Every year in the second week of October, we celebrate Montmartre’s grape harvest, called the Fete de Vendanges de Montmartre, a jubilatory event with a costume parade, street performances, concerts, giant picnics, and of course, wine drinking. But did you know that Montmartre is the last working vineyard in Paris? What a great attribute to a city that has it all and still maintains a rural ritual in an urban setting. Actually, the region of Paris has a long history of vineyards when most of the city was farming land and Montmartre was a picturesque hill, covered with windmills.
A Little History of Montmartre’s Vineyard
Dating back to the 12th century, King Louis IV built the Abbey of Montmartre for his wife, Adelaide of Savoie and the nuns were in charge of cultivating the vines. The wine became very popular due to the fact that Montmartre was a “commun libre” and free of tax. The wine those days were named after the saintly fields that they were grown in such as ‘La Sauvresse‘, ‘l’Eglise‘ etc.
By 1850, the Great French Wine Blight had struck the vines in France, and unfortunately, the Montmartre vineyards were destroyed.
1905 was the last harvest of Montmartre wine when it turned into overgrown land. Following that in 1860 under Napoleon, Montmartre is attached to the city of Paris and in 1930 the Townhall of Paris decides to take over the land for a housing project.
Met by the defiance of Poulbot, a famous illustrator, and local artists they negotiate and agree to plant vines with the help of Bordeaux and Alsatian communities. They acquire over 27 types of grapes and build the new vineyard. Luckily under French law, nothing can be built on a vineyard and so the “Clos de Montmartre” is reborn.
In 1933 the vines are planted and the land secured so they decide in 1934 to invite the President of the Republique, Albert Lebrun, to the harvest. However little did they know it takes 3 years to harvest the grapes! So what were they to do?
Well, sometimes a mistake comes disguised as an opportunity and with the help of surrounding vineyards, they order in 40 tonnes of grapes and turn it into a Grand Fete what is today the: Fete de Vendanges de Montmartre!
Today the wine is harvested and vinified by the Townhall of Paris. Bottled in neat 50cl bottles, this table wine is sold to help social charities in the 18th.
The vineyard of Montmartre embraces organic farming not using chemical products on the vines and under organic regulation for wine production. To find out more about where to go in Paris for natural wines, check out this list of the best natural wine shops in Paris.
As the Mayor of the 18th district of Montmartre, Eric LEJOINDRE says in his address:
“La poésie est au coeur même de notre arrondissement à la fois romantique, vivant et populaire, elle est dans nos murs, elle est dans nos jardins… Et dans nos vignes!”
Poetry is in the heart of our district equally romantic, vibrant, and popular, it’s in our walls, in our gardens, in our vines! Drinking the wine of Montmartre straight from the vineyard will teach you exactly how important it is to understand culture through food / drink.
2025 Event Line-Up!
Launch Night
October 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM – Mairie of the 18th Arrondissement
Start the festivities at the official launch night with local performers, choirs, and a celebratory opening dedicated to this year’s theme “Le 18ᵉ éternellement jeune” (The 18th eternally young). Entry is free, but space is limited.
Concert Series
October 8–12, 2025 – various venues across Montmartre
For five days, Montmartre will host free concerts featuring rising talents and local favorites. Expect music across genres in iconic neighborhood spaces, all tied to this year’s theme of youth and renewal.
Vineyard Tours
October 8, 9, and 12, 2025 – Clos Montmartre Vineyards
Take a rare guided tour of Paris’s last working vineyard. Led by wine historians, these tours share the history of Clos Montmartre and its harvest traditions. Reservations required and highly sought after.
Children’s Grand Choir
October 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM – Square Louise Michel
Schoolchildren from Montmartre perform choral pieces, celebrating the spirit of youth that defines this year’s festival.
The Night Race
October 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM – Montmartre
The 5 km “Course Nocturne des Vendanges” returns, with runners lighting up the cobblestones of Montmartre in a festive night race. Registration required.
The Taste Journey – Parcours du Goût
October 10–12, 2025 – Around Sacré-Cœur
Over 100 regional producers and winegrowers set up around the Sacré-Cœur for tastings of wine, cheese, charcuterie, and sweets. One of the most popular parts of the Vendanges.
The Grand Parade
October 11, 2025 from 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM – Departure from Clos Montmartre
March with wine brotherhoods, cultural associations, and musicians through the winding streets of Montmartre in this colorful and traditional parade.
No-Marriage Ceremony
October 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM – Place des Abbesses
This quirky tradition returns as couples humorously vow not to marry in front of the mayor of the 18th arrondissement. Playful, theatrical, and uniquely Montmartre.
Closing Ball
October 12, 2025 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM – Square Louise Michel
To wrap up the festival, music and dancing take over the square beneath Sacré-Cœur for an open-air closing celebration.
Browse through the activities and make sure to sign up before the crowds for certain events like the visit of the vineyard which is usually closed to the public! You can check out the full programme on the official fete des vendanges website.