La Fête des Vendanges, Paris
They don't do Guy Fawks' Night in France.
They don't really even get what it is... and explaining that we like to set fire to giant straw dolls dressed up as Catholic rebels only confirms the French belief that the Brits are all violent fat Protestants.
So no bonfires by the Seine, then.
However, what the French do have to offer on a cold, drizzly autumnal evening, is along the same lines (fireworks, bad weather)...and focuses on regional French FOOD and WINE. Yeah. They took out the undertones of religion and corporal punishment, and replaced them with two of the best things in the world...
The five-day event is called the Fête des Vendanges (grape harvest party), and is held in Montmartre, around the Sacre Coeur in numerous galleries, libraries, bars, restaurants, concert halls and cinemas. The centre of attention are the food stands around the church where you'll find all sorts of delicious treats (think oysters, champagne, foie gras...) as well as workshops, a fair, performances and concerts all around Paris' 18th arrondissement.
Highlights include:
- Exhibition: Passion chocolat... YUM
- Visit around the vineyard at Montmartre (see the article I wrote on this)
- A "creations gourmandes" workshop
- A tasting evening at Le 38 Gourmet
- La Cérémonie des non-demandes en mariage (the not-getting-married ceremony) This sounds so much fun!
- Obviously the big PARADE and fireworks...
Practicals
date: 10-14 october
How to get there: http://fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com/renseignements-pratiques/
It's not quite Guy Fawks night, but seeing the fireworks at the top of Montmartre should be quite impressive, obviously fingers crossed the rain holds its breath. And, you never know, there may be some ritual burnings after all...
MUSTARD
Labels: 75018, Culture, expat advice, food, food and wine, France, insolite, Paris, things to do in Paris, Weekend, what Parisians do, wine
