Every October, the streets of Montmartre come alive with one of Paris’s most charming traditions: the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre — the annual wine harvest festival. Far from being just another tourist event, this celebration blends Parisian history, food, music, and community spirit into five festive days.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris in October 2025, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the Fête des Vendanges like a local.

 

🌿 The Story Behind the Clos Montmartre Vineyard

Many visitors don’t realize that Paris still produces wine! Hidden behind the famous Sacré-Cœur Basilica, the Clos Montmartre vineyard has been growing grapes since the Middle Ages.

The vineyard was officially replanted in 1933 to preserve Montmartre’s wine tradition.

Today, it produces around 1,000 bottles of wine each year, sold at charity auctions.

The wines are not world-famous — but that’s not the point. The real magic lies in the vineyard’s symbolism: Montmartre as a village within the city, keeping its roots alive.

 

📅 Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre 2025: Dates & Location

When: Expected October 8–12, 2025 (exact dates confirmed in summer 2025).

Where: Around the Clos Montmartre vineyard (Rue des Saules, 18th arrondissement) and throughout Montmartre.

Atmosphere: Think parades, tastings, music, art, food stalls, and a very local Parisian vibe.

 

🎉 What to Expect at the Festival

The Fête des Vendanges is more than just wine. Here are the highlights:

Wine & Food Stalls

Dozens of chalets set up around Montmartre, offering:

Regional wines from across France

Cheeses, sausages, oysters, and artisanal sweets

Mulled wine (vin chaud) for chilly evenings

The Parade (Grand Défilé)

A colorful parade with bands, dancers, and neighborhood associations. Locals dress in traditional costumes, giving it a true “village festival” feel.

Music & Shows

Live concerts, dance performances, and street theater take over Montmartre’s squares. Many are free to attend.

Fireworks

The festival usually ends with a spectacular fireworks show near Sacré-Cœur, illuminating the Paris skyline.

 

Local Tips for Enjoying the Vendanges Calmly

The Fête des Vendanges can get very crowded, especially on the weekend. Here’s how to enjoy it in a calmer way:

Go early in the day → Mornings are quieter, perfect for exploring stalls.

Visit weekdays if possible → Fewer visitors than Saturday or Sunday.

Skip Sacré-Cœur peak hours → Instead, wander side streets like Rue Lepic or Rue des Abbesses.

Find hidden corners → Small cafés and wine bars nearby (like on Rue Caulaincourt) offer a breather from the crowds.

Combine with museums → Pair your visit with the Musée de Montmartre, a peaceful spot overlooking the vineyard.

 

How to Get There

Metro: Line 12 to Lamarck–Caulaincourt (less crowded than Anvers).

Walking tip: Enter Montmartre from the north (Jules Joffrin or Lamarck) instead of climbing from Pigalle — calmer and more scenic.

 

Final Thoughts

The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre 2025 is a rare chance to experience Paris as both a city and a village. It’s lively, colorful, and rooted in tradition — yet if you know where to go, you can still find quiet corners to enjoy it at your own pace.

Whether you come for the wine, the food, the music, or just the atmosphere of Montmartre in autumn, this festival is one of the most unique cultural experiences in Paris.