The Vineyard of Montmartre
Montmartre – Paris’s Secret Vineyard
Every year on 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.
Each year, a cultural theme is evoked to symbolize the harvest, last year it was dedicated to the Olympic Games. This year the theme will be “The Imaginary.” This year’s celebration invites participants to explore a world of dreams, the unusual, and the unprecedented.
The vineyard of Montmartre also 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 poรฉsie est au coeur mรชme de notre arrondissement ร 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.
2024 Event Line-Up!
Launch Night
October 9, 2024 at 7:00 PM – Mairie of the 18th Arrondissement
Start the festivities at the official launch night with master of ceremonies Marco Avallone and his choir, โEnvie de Chanter.โ After a participatory performance, the stage will open for a magical dance with choreographer Serge Tsakap. Entry is free, but space is limited.
Decibels Vendanges Concert Series
October 9-12, 2024 – Hasard Ludique, Be-Jazzy, ADN Montmartre
For four days, experience free concerts featuring exciting new musical talents at three different venues in the 18th arrondissement. Artists like Vanessee Vulcane, Daysy, and Ella Lewis will bring their sounds to this vibrant part of the festival.
Vineyard Tours
October 9, 10, and 13, 2024 – Clos Montmartre Vineyards
On these special days, take a guided tour of Montmartreโs historic vineyards. Led by wine historian Jean-Manuel Gabert, these tours will give you a glimpse into the wine-making past of Paris. Reservations required and very sought after!!
Childrenโs Grand Choir
October 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM – Square Louise Michel
Schoolchildren from the 18th arrondissement will enchant the audience with songs of imagination and wonder. Their choir will feature favorites like John Lennonโs “Imagine” and French classics, creating a magical atmosphere in Square Louise Michel.
The Night Race
October 10, 2024 at 8:00 PM – Square Louise Michel
Get ready for the return of the Vendanges Night Race! Runners will light up the streets in a glowing, 5 km fun run around Montmartre. Registration is required for participants.
The Taste Journey
October 11-13, 2024 – Around Sacrรฉ-Cลur
This is a must for foodies! Over 100 producers and winegrowers will set up around the Sacrรฉ-Cลur, offering regional specialties and wines for tasting. Stroll through the picturesque streets and enjoy the best flavors France has to offer.
The Grand Parade
October 12, 2024 from 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM – Departure from Clos Montmartre
Join the vibrant Grand Parade, featuring over fifty wine brotherhoods from across France, along with local cultural groups and associations. March along the charming cobblestone streets of Montmartre in this grand display of music and tradition.
No-Marriage Ceremony
October 13, 2024 at 10:30 AM – Place des Abbesses
One of the festivalโs quirkiest traditions, the “No-Marriage Ceremony,” invites couples to humorously vow not to marry in front of the mayor of the 18th arrondissement, Eric Lejoindre.
Closing Dream Party
October 13, 2024 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM – Square Louise Michel
To wrap up the festival, DJ Thierry Lecamp will host the closing โDream Partyโ in Square Louise Michel, ensuring the Fรชte des Vendanges ends on a high note with a lively open-air dance 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 website here.
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