Cultural Discoveries Await at the Grape Harvest Festival in Paris

The Fête des Vendanges is one of the most anticipated annual events in the city of Paris. The term 'la fête des vendanges' is French for 'the grape harvest festival.' It celebrates the harvesting of grapes from their vines before they undergo the long process of becoming wine. In France, of course, this is a momentous occasion as wine is an important cultural product throughout the country. In Paris, the Fête des Vendanges takes place in the exquisitely charming Montmartre area.

From October 8 to October 12, 2014, visitors can head to this neighborhood in the 18th arrondissement in order to participate in a variety of festive events. This marks the 81st edition of the Fête des Vendanges in Montmartre. It is the third most frequented event in the entire city, attracting more that 400,000 people each year.

From exhibitions and concerts to parades and tastings, there is something for everyone to enjoy during the festival. Every year, the festival has a special theme and this year that theme is poetry.  Fans of poetry will not want to miss the activity planned on October 8 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. At this time poetry and songs will be performed.

On October 10th and 11th from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., scores of artisans from around the country and the world will offer their goods on the Butte Montmartre — the hill on which the famous Abesses church is perched. That gives visitors the chance to taste and purchase diverse foods, discovering many different cultures through their tastebuds.

As such, the Fête des Vendanges is a must-do event for anyone who enjoys wine, food and culture. Guests staying at the Hotel de la Motte Picquet should not miss the opportunity to participate in this quintessentially French experience.