Hidden amidst the charming streets of Montmartre lies Rue le Clos Laget. This unassuming street holds a secret a hidden vineyard. It’s not just any vineyard though. Le Clos Montmartre is one of the last remaining vineyards in central Paris. Imagine the surprise of stumbling upon it during your Parisian adventure.
Le Clos Montmartre is more than just a vineyard. It’s a testament to the area’s rich history. Vines have grown on Montmartre since at least 944. The Romans introduced grape cultivation to the Ile-de-France region centuries earlier. This tiny patch of land a mere 0.15 hectares was once a children’s playground and a dumping ground. However in 1933 the City of Paris planted vines. Their goal was to prevent developers from building on this precious piece of land.
The following year in 1934 the first Harvest Festival was held. This was even though the vines hadn’t yet produced grapes. Today Le Clos Montmartre produces both red and white wines. The white grapes create a rosé wine. The red grapes yield a red wine. This vineyard is unique. It’s known for having the most flowers of any vineyard in France. The leaves of its vines get marbling a special effect due to the hilltop location and sunlight.
Sadly the vineyard itself isn’t usually open to the public. However you can easily admire its exterior from the street. The vines are visible beyond the metal railings. Nearby attractions enhance the experience. These include the Musée de Montmartre Renoir Gardens and the charming Place Dalida.
Since 1980 an annual Fête des Jardins celebrates the grape harvest. For a few weeks the vineyard opens to the public through guided tours. Around 1000 bottles of Clos Montmartre wine are produced annually. These bottles are auctioned at the harvest festival. The money raised funds projects in the 18th arrondissement. People jokingly call it the most expensive poor quality wine in Paris. A bottle of rosé costs around €25 a bottle of red about €30. Still the unique history and setting make a visit to Rue le Clos Laget unforgettable. It’s a reminder of Paris’s rich past hidden within its modern urban landscape.