Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival: everything you need to know to make the most of it

Every autumn, the cobbled streets of Montmartre come alive to the rhythm of an age-old tradition: the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre. For almost 90 years, this unique event has celebrated the vines of the famous Clos Montmartre, the last vineyard in Paris. From 8 to 12 October 2025, for its 92nd edition, this popular festival will transform the bohemian district into a veritable festival of Parisian gastronomy, culture and wine heritage.
A thousand-year-old wine tradition in the heart of Paris
The history of Montmartre’s vines dates back to the 12th century, when the ladies of the Montmartre Abbey planted the first vines on the hilltop. Before urbanisation, three-quarters of the hillock was covered in vines, which produced a wine that had been appreciated since Gallo-Roman times. The last vines disappeared completely in 1928, but miraculously came back to life in 1933 thanks to the efforts of iconic figures such as Francisque Poulbot, Adolphe Willette and Jean-Louis Forain.
Today, Clos Montmartre covers 1,558 m² on the corner of rue des Saules and rue Saint-Vincent. More than 1,760 vines of 27 different grape varieties grow here, including Gamay and Pinot Noir. Each year, this unique vineyard produces around 1,500 bottles of a collector’s wine, sold exclusively at auction to benefit social causes in the 18th arrondissement.
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The programme for the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre 2025
For its 92nd edition, the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre celebrates youth in all its forms. Over five days, from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 October 2025, more than 500,000 visitors are expected to take part in this unique celebration that blends tradition and modernity.
The Grand Défilé, the beating heart of the festival
The highlight of the Fête des Vendanges Montmartre is undoubtedly the Grand Parade on Saturday 11 October. From 11.45am, the streets of the 18th arrondissement vibrate to the rhythm of this unique folk procession. The parade starts at the Clos Montmartre vineyards, then winds its way through the iconic streets: rue des Saules, rue de l’Abreuvoir, rue Girardon, avenue Junot, rue Caulaincourt and rue du Mont-Cenis, before arriving at the 18th arrondissement town hall at around 1.30pm.
The parade brings together over 1,000 participants, including brass bands, folk groups, wine brotherhoods from all over France, international delegations and local residents. It’s a colourful spectacle that transforms Montmartre into an open-air theatre!
The Sacré-Coeur Taste Trail
A veritable gourmet institution, the Parcours du Goût takes place around the Sacré-Cœur Basilica (35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, rated 4.5/5 on Google for 124,000 reviews) from Friday to Sunday. More than 300 exhibitors – winegrowers, producers of regional specialities, craftspeople – will be showcasing their exceptional products. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover France’s terroirs while admiring the panoramic view over Paris.
Download the audio tour to discover Paris on foot and on your own
Your visit to the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is the perfect opportunity to discover Paris in depth. The Navaway itinerary allows you to explore 18 of the capital’s most emblematic sites thanks to fun, interactive audio guides. From the Arc de Triomphe to the Champs-Élysées, via the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides, let us guide you through the most beautiful districts of Paris and enrich your stay in Montmartre with a true discovery of the City of Light.
Visits to Clos Montmartre
Take advantage of the exclusive guided tours of the vineyards organised throughout the festival. Jean-Manuel Gabert, historian and specialist in Montmartre’s heritage, will reveal the secrets of this unique vineyard. Tours take place on Wednesdays at 11am, Thursdays at 2pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 2pm and 4pm. It’s an authentic experience that will help you understand the wine-growing soul of Montmartre!
What to see and do during the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival
Discover the emblematic sites of Montmartre
The Fête des Vendanges is the perfect opportunity to rediscover Montmartre in a new light. Stroll around the famous Place du Tertre (Place du Tertre, 75018 Paris, rated 4.3/5 on Google out of 15,000 reviews), where artists and painters perpetuate the district’s bohemian tradition. Admire the unique architecture of the Moulin Rouge (82 Boulevard de Clichy, 75018 Paris, rated 4.2/5 on Google out of 44,000 reviews), a symbol of the Belle Époque.
Don’t forget to stop off at Le Lapin Agile (22 Rue des Saules, 75018 Paris, rated 4.1/5 on Google for 2,800 reviews), a famous historic cabaret that has seen some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. For a gourmet break with a view, head to La Maison Rose (2 Rue de l’Abreuvoir, 75018 Paris, rated 4.0/5 on Google for 3,200 reviews), an emblematic restaurant with pink façades immortalised by many painters.
Cultural and festive events
As well as the traditional food stalls, the festival offers a rich cultural programme of concerts, street performances, exhibitions, children’s workshops and sporting events. The Décibels Vendanges festival hosts several music stages from Wednesday to Friday, while themed walks explore the history of the 18th arrondissement from the perspective of youth and innovation.
Gourmets are not forgotten either, with the Ban des Vendanges ceremony on Saturday, a solemn moment when the official opening of the grape harvest is proclaimed, followed by exceptional tastings. To discover more of Paris’s heritage beyond Montmartre, don’t hesitate to visit Paris on one of the audio-guided itineraries that will take you to the four corners of the capital.
Practical information for the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival
Access and transport
There are several options for getting to the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre. The metro is the most convenient, with Abbesses (line 12), Pigalle (lines 2 and 12) and Anvers (line 2) stations. The Montmartre funicular is an easy way to get to the Sacré-Coeur from Anvers station.
Please note: due to the exceptionally high number of visitors, traffic restrictions have been introduced throughout the district. We strongly advise you to use public transport rather than your car. Special shuttle buses are usually organised from the main metro stations to the various festival sites.
Opening times and prices
Most of the events at the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre are free and open to the public. The Parcours du Goût (Taste Trail) operates at the following times: Friday 10 October from 10am to 11pm, Saturday 11 October from 10am to 11pm, and Sunday 12 October from 10am to 7pm. Visits to the vineyards are subject to a charge (usually around €10) and must be booked in advance on the official event website.
Tips for making the most of the party
Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds, especially on Saturday, the day of the Grand Parade. Make sure you bring comfortable shoes to walk the steep, cobbled streets of Montmartre. Don’t forget your camera: the festive decor and unique atmosphere are well worth the diversions! For a complete experience, combine your visit with the discovery of other Parisian treasures by following the Navaway tours, which will guide you to the capital’s must-sees.
Montmartre’s cultural heritage at harvest time
The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is much more than just a wine-growing tradition: it embodies the bohemian, artistic soul of the district. From Toulouse-Lautrec to contemporary artists, Montmartre has always been a creative melting pot where cultures and generations mix. This unique festival is a testament to the district’s ability to preserve its traditions while embracing modernity.
The growing success of the event – which has become Paris’s third busiest after Paris-Plage and Nuit Blanche – proves that this age-old tradition continues to appeal to an ever-widening audience. The festival brings together local residents and French and international tourists to celebrate the values of conviviality, heritage and gastronomy that are the hallmark of Montmartre.
In conclusion, the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is much more than just a festive event: it’s an authentic plunge into the history and soul of Paris. Whether you’re a wine lover, a history buff or simply curious to discover one of the capital’s most emblematic traditions, this festival will win you over with its authenticity and conviviality. Make the most of your time in the area to explore Paris in depth, thanks to the audio tours that reveal all the secrets of the City of Light.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre 2025?
The 92nd Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre takes place from Wednesday 8 to Sunday 12 October 2025. The Grand Parade, the festival’s flagship event, takes place on Saturday 11 October from 11.45am to 1.30pm.
Where are the Clos Montmartre vineyards located?
Clos Montmartre is located on the corner of rue des Saules and rue Saint-Vincent, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. This 1,558 m² vineyard is home to more than 1,760 vines planted with 27 different grape varieties, and is the last remaining vineyard in the Paris inner city.
Can I buy Montmartre wine?
Clos Montmartre wine is not sold in the traditional wine trade. The annual production of around 1,500 bottles is auctioned off at the festival, with the proceeds going to social causes in the 18th arrondissement. It is a collector’s wine, much sought after by wine lovers.
Is the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival free?
Most of the activities at the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre are free: parade, street shows, Taste Trail (free entry). Only certain activities, such as guided tours of the vineyards or special tastings, may be subject to a charge. Drinks at the Parcours du Goût stands must be paid for directly with the exhibitors.
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