Montmartre, this emblematic district of Paris, famous for its artistic bohemianism and its picturesque charm, hides an often overlooked treasure: its vineyards.

Wine was already produced in Montmartre in the 10th century

Producing wine in Paris is not a recent fantasy. Indeed, historical sources attest to very ancient wine production in Île de France and in the villages which once surrounded the capital and ended up being included as districts within the Paris metropolitan area. We know with certainty that wine was already produced in Montmartre in the 10th century. The vineyards then extended for kilometers around and belonged to monks, who entrusted their management to plowing winegrowers.

A Medieval Heritage

The history of vineyards in Montmartre dates back to a time when the hill was far removed from the tumult of Paris. The Montmartre vineyard allows us to remember what this district was like for a long time : a bucolic village next to Paris where wine agriculture provided a living for some of its inhabitants. Over time, Paris included Montmartre in its urban expansion. However, a few plots of land, including the vines, survived this transformation. These vineyards have resisted urbanization, providing a window into the neighborhood’s agricultural past.

A source of inspiration for artists

Montmartre was also home to renowned artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Toulouse-Lautrec during the 19th and 20th centuries. The vines, with their bucolic charm, became a symbol of the bohemian atmosphere that reigned in the neighborhood. Artists have immortalized the vines in their works, integrating them into Montmartre’s distinctive artistic identity.

The Harvest Festival

Every year, Montmartre celebrates the Fête des Vendanges, a lively festival that highlights the neighborhood’s winemaking tradition. The streets come alive with parades, concerts and wine tastings. It’s an opportunity for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere while honoring Montmartre’s wine heritage.

A confidential but symbolic production

Production is confidential : 1950 kg of grapes were harvested in 2016. A few hundred bottles are produced each year and sold at auction. All profits from this sale go to social causes. You will therefore certainly not be able to find wine from the Montmartre vines in a local grocery store, even in Paris! But the vineyards of Montmartre are much more than a local curiosity; they are witnesses to a bygone era, preserving the wine tradition in the heart of the City of Lights.