It’s that time again for the annual harvest of grapes that are used to make wine in various regions of France. As any Parisian knows, that means it is also time for the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (the Grape Harvest Festival of Montmartre). The Fête des Vendanges takes place in the charming Montmartre area, which is already a popular spot for tourists. For guests staying at the Hôtel Louvre Marsollier, this is the perfect occasion to discover this sought-out neighborhood.
During the five-day festival, winemakers and food producers from every region of France, including the French overseas islands, gather in Montmartre in order to share their wares with an appreciative public. With stands displaying interesting selections of wines and foods from numerous different regions, vendors entice visitors to come and get a taste. The stands are grouped by region so that the public can take a trip to the Rhône-Alps region before heading over to Champagne or Martinique, for example.
One of the best parts of participating in the Fête des Vendanges is that visitors can speak with the actual producers about their local products, something that is otherwise impossible to do without taking a months-long road trip throughout the entire country. All of the vendors are eager to share knowledge about their products and their regions, so visitors can expect to get an education in French culture as well.
Products available at the Fête des Vendanges include wines, ciders, cheeses, meats, pastries, breads and many other culinary delights. Although visitors must usually pay in order to have a full glass of wine or real portion of cheese, vendors are also often very generous with complimentary samples.
Nestled right next to the beautiful Sacré Coeur church, on the “butte” of Montmartre, this festival is not to be missed by anyone who is in Paris from October 10 to October 14, 2012.
