Did you know that there is a hidden vineyard at Montmartre? It’s called Le Clos de Montmartre and you can find it at the junction of rue des Saules and rue Saint-Vincent. The wine from this remaining and very pretty Paris vineyard is called Clos Montmartre.
Le Clos de Montmartre: One of Paris’ Last Remaining Vineyards
This interesting area of Montmartre is home to the charming pink café, Le Maison Rose, the famous Cabaret Au Lapin Agile and the almost secret vineyard, le Clos de Montmartre. The vineyard covers a steep area on the corner and is quite small for a vineyard, covering only 1600 m2. But while it may look like it’s been there forever nestled in amongst the surrounding houses, it was actually only planted in the early 1930’s.
Le Clos Montmartre was the clever idea of the Major of Paris together with the Commune Libra and the Republic of Montmartre to save the site from developers and create a ‘green space’. ‘Clos’ or enclosed vineyards were originally maintained by Monks throughout the city.
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Le Clos de Montmartre
Montmartre and its Vineyard History
Montmartre has had vines growing over its hilltops since at least 944 and the larger area of Paris has been producing wine since the Romans first introduced the drink. Most of the vineyards slowly disappeared with expansion and development of the city. The city’s vines also faced destruction due to phylloxera in the beginning of the 20th century.
This small vineyard is one of the few remaining vineyards in Paris now and while the wine produced is generally considered not drinkable, the yield is still held in esteem for its uniqueness. The vineyard produces only about 1,700 bottles of vin (wine) per year. The bottled wine is auctioned every year with the proceeds put towards funding community projects in the 18th arrondissement.
Le Clos de Montmartre
Clos Montmartre & Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre
Today, Clos Montmartre wine is enjoyed in October during the annual vineyard festivities, la Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre which is held in the second weekend of October.
The "vendanges" is the time of year in France when grapes are harvested for wine production. Beginning around the end of August and finishing around the beginning of October, the grape harvest is a very important time of year and an essential part of French culture. Many people from around the country take a break from their normal lives to participate in the vendanges. To celebrate the end of the harvest season, and the culmination of a new year's vintage, a large party is hosted by the town or village. One of the largest harvest celebrations and where the champagne flows freely is here at the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre.
Le Clos Montmartre looking up the vineyard slope
Some of the other tiny vineyards around the city have been planted as a testament to the city’s wine making history. Le Clos de Montmartre can be visited during the Fête des Jardins, which is a festival celebrating urban gardens. If you’re in Paris and want to attend a wine tasting at a vineyard, then the privately owned La Vigne de Paris-Bagatelle, offers wine tastings, guided tours and oenology courses by appointment.
Montmartre has a vibrant, artistic history and I think you'll love reading about it in our post The History of Montmartre Make sure you read about this fascinating area of Paris before you visit.
Le Clos de Montmartre Address
14-18 rue des Saules, 75018 Paris - Closest Métro station: Lamarck-Coulaincourt
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