10 – 14 October 2018
Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre
Millions of visitors flock to the Paris district of Montmartre each year to visit the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, the distinctive white church that sits atop Montmartre Hill.
A vibrant neighborhood still showing vestiges of its artistic heritage, the hills were also once covered in grapevines.
In fact, Paris’s only working vineyard, Clos Montmartre, is found here.
Fete des Vendanges originated just after this winery was established in 1934.
Today, over half a million visitors attend this Harvest Festival.
Five fun-filled, jam-packed days make up the Harvest Festival program.
Each year a godfather and godmother are appointed.
Local eateries offer the godfather and godmother’s favorite dishes on their menus throughout the festival.
You’ll feel transported back in time with the medieval set-up along the streets filled with tents offering food and wine delicacies.
Just stroll the streets drinking in the atmosphere or join in the many culinary demonstrations and workshops available.
Partake in the various walks and talks, or avail yourself of the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of Clos Montmartre winery.
Take your pick of the music and dance concerts on the program.
Gaze in awe at the giant papier-mache puppets, masked harlequins, and traditional costumes.
And don’t miss the festival finale with its grand parade and massive fireworks display.
If you’re feeling romantic, you might like to declare your love in the Non-Marriage Ceremony presided over by the Mayor of Montmartre.
Introduced in 2007, it’s become a really popular element of the festival.
Where else can you declare you have the honor of not asking someone for their hand in marriage?
When: 10 – 14 October 2018
Where: Montmartre, Paris, France
Map: Montmartre in Paris on Google Map
Official website: fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com
Hotels in Paris: Overview of all hotels in Paris
Paris has a great public transport system and this is the best way to get to Montmartre.
Take subway line 2 or 12 to head up to Montmartre Hill.
Line 2 – exit at Anvers (close to the funicular that will take you to the top of the hill)
Line 2 – exit at Blanche station (close to the Moulin Rouge)
Line 12 – exit at Abbesses station
Alternatively take bus 30, 31, 54, 56, 80, 85, 95, or the Montmartrobus.
There’s no shortage of hotels to choose from in Paris.
And with the excellent transport links, you can easily move about this great city.
Montmartre offers plenty of great options and we’ve listed a few popular choices below covering a range of budgets (from low to high):
Want to connect with the locals in their native tongue?
Then brush up on your French language skills by taking a conversational course before you head to France.
While a delight to the eyes, Montmartre with its hills and beautifully cobbled pavements is a little harder on the feet and legs.
Leave the high heels at home and invest in a sturdy pair of walking shoes.
Your feet will thank you after a day wandering around Montmartre!
