Un peu d’histoire sur le Clos Montmartre

Do you know the Clos Montmartre in Paris ? It’s the only vineyard in Paris. This may surprise you at first. But let’s go back in time a little.

In the 16th century, Montmartre was a village on the edge of Paris. Its residents were mainly wine growers whose vines spread over the hill and down to the plain.

Over the centuries, the current location of the Clos Montmartre has been variously an open air café, and scrub land. In 1929, thanks to Francisque Poulbot, the famous illustrator from Montmartre, this land was transformed into the Square de la Liberté (Freedom square). Then in 1933, the City of Paris created the Clos Montmartre (a clos is an enclosed field), by planting 2000 grape vines. Ever since, Montmartre has celebrated its annual grape harvest.

The Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival

Many events are planned over the 5 days of the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival. Wine growers from different French regions will take part in a costume parade, handing out glasses of wine and bunches of grapes.

Stilt men dressed in Medieval costumes, brass bands, and traditional folk dancers will add a festive touch to this unique event in Paris.

This year, the Grape Harvest Festival will take place from October 5-9 and will also join in the celebrations for the Outre-Mer year; Montmartre will therefore be not only celebrating its vines and grape harvest, but also the French islands.

Guided tours of the vineyard, shows, a big concert in which artists from France and Outre-Mer will take part and a superb fireworks display will all be held on the top of the hill, surrounding the Sacré Coeur.

This very popular event showcases the best in gastronomy and regional produce. Many regional culinary specialities will be displayed to the delight of visitors who will be able to enjoy tasting and buying anything that takes their fancy. Sausages, honey and cakes, as well specialities from tropical islands, such as spices, etc. Without of course forgetting the bottles of wine from the Clos Montmartre, for which all the profits go to charitable projects in the 18th arrondissement (district) of the city (to which Montmartre belongs).

For further information, please visit online: Montmartre Harvest Festival.

Montmartre Harvest Festival :

21, Place du Tertre – 75018 Paris

Hotel Britannique Paris, Hotel Britannique Paris, Romantic Paris Hotel, 3 star Hotel Paris