One of my favorite spots in Paris is the little intersection of rue des Saules and rue Saint-Vincent, at the corner where to your left is Au Lapin Agile, behind you is La Maison Rose, and to the right are the Clos de Montmartre, or vineyards–the only vineyards within the city limits. I keep meaning to go take a tour and try the wine, but haven’t yet. Luckily, this weekend I’ll have a good opportunity: the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre aims to celebrate the tradition of wine-making in Paris, and its harvest season, with this yearly autumn festival.
As with many outdoor fests in Paris, there will be concerts, dance performances and art. But this one is special because its theme is gourmandises, which means there will be 5 days of tastings, of both wine and food (note that la journée du chocolat is Thursday). There’s also something called “Cérémonie des Non-demandes en mariage” which, if my broken French proves correct, is a ceremony that celebrates NOT demanding marriage, but instead promises to be “engaged for eternity.” A reader of mine informed me that it’s in honor of George Brassens’ idea of a non-proposal, in the hope of making a real love last as long as possible. It’s followed, naturally, by a ball of Latin dances, including the tango, samba and calypso.
Special bonus: Saturday night at 9:45 there will be a fireworks display outside the Sacré Coeur. Check the full schedule here.
Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre
FREE
Wednesday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Oct. 14
All around Montmartre
