Paris Vineyards – The Remaining Vineyards of Paris

Paris Vineyards - The Remaining Vineyards of Paris

Did you know there are vineyards in Paris? Maybe you haven’t seen any vineyards in Paris, but hidden in three stunning parks and on the hillside of Montmartre, you'll find vineyards that all still produce grapes for wine production. These are referred to as the ‘urban vineyards’ of Paris as they co-exist in the urban setting of the city. ‘Clos’ or enclosed vineyards were originally maintained by Monks throughout the city.

Clos de Bercy is in the 12th arrondissement Parc de Bercy, Clos Montmartre is in the 18^th arrondissement on the hill, Clos des Morillons is in Parc Georges Brassens in the 15^th arrondissement and lastly, Clos de Belleville is in the beautiful Parc de Belleville in the 20^th arrondissement.

Four Romantic Small Vineyards in Paris

Small boutique vineyards hidden in Paris is such a romantic notion, I thought you'd love to know where they are, what their closest metro stations are for visiting, and also see some pretty photos.

Clos de Bercy

Clos de Bercy is in Parc de Bercy. Parc de Bercy is a public park located along the Rive Droite in the 12th arrondissement. The creation of the park and redevelopment was sponsored by President François Mitterrand, who wanted to convert an old wine depot site into a vase green space to be enjoyed by the citizens of Paris.

The parkland covers 14 hectares and was where the storehouses of the large wine depot were located. Closed in the 1950s and demolished in 1979 it was in the 1980s that the President decided to replace the waste land by a huge public park. 

The official opening was by Mayor Jean Tiberi. It seems just right that a small vineyard, that is Clos de Bercy, should be part of the park's landscaping. Four hundred vines were planted by the City of Paris in reference to the area's association with the wine industry, and this alone makes Parc de Bercy worth a visit.

Pack a picnic and book, take a rug and soak up the peacefulness of this large city park and see if you can find this little vineyard nestled in the park. 

Useful Information

• Address: 128 Quai de Bercy, 75012 Paris, France
• Closest Metro: Bercy (Line 6 or 14)

Clos Montmartre

Vineyards and windmills used to dot the historic hillside of Montmartre however there are only a couple of windmills left and only a lone vineyard now. The tradition of winemaking began early in the Middle Ages at Montmartre with the majority of residents working in the vineyards. Like in the 15^th arrondissement, the vineyards in the 18^th arrondissement had disappeared by the end of the 18^th century too. As the city of Paris grew it overtook the rural hillside and so unfortunately wine production ceased.

However, in 1932 vines made a comeback with 2,000 vines planted. 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’. 

The harvest of Clos Montmartre is celebrated annually at the Fête des Vendanges when the steep nearby roads are closed to traffic to allow visitors to enjoy street entertainers, food, wine and even vineyard tours.

Useful Information

• Address: rue dues Saules, 75018, Paris
• Closest Metro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt (Line 12)
• Fête des Vendanges official website: https://fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com/le-programme/

Clos des Morillons

Another vineyard to visit and take cute photos is in the 15^th arrondissement in the Georges Brassens Parc. The area was home to a number of vineyards until the end of the 18^th century when the vines were removed to make way for vegetable plots and then an abattoir.

In 1983 however the clock was turned back in time with the fresh planting of 700 pinot noir new vines in Parc Georges Brassens. It brought back the age-old tradition of grape growing and wine production. Now, around 320 bottles of organic red wine are produced and sold. To secure one of these limited bottles, you’ll need to place a successful bid at the wine auction held every September at Grande Halle du Marché du Livre Ancien. This is the Park’s popular annual book fair.

You’ll find the vines in the 1,200 metre square fenced-off area in the south-west of the Park. The vines look particularly pretty in the months just before harvest time.

Useful Information

• Address: 2 Place Jacques Marette, 75015, Paris
• Closest Metro: Porte de Vanves (Line 13)

Clos de Belleville

Belleville is a little gem of a neighbourhood that lies hidden from the big tourist masses, but if you have a little more time in Paris, it's a great escape from the usual hustle and bustle of the city. The area has plenty of street art to explore, cool bars to grab a refreshing drink and musicians and artists to keep you entertained. This artsy area is off the beaten path and its best kept secret is the large leafy park with its very own enclosed vineyard, Clos de Belleville. 

Vineyards and wine making continued in Belleville a little later than the two previous Parisian arrondissements looked at above, as it was not until the mid-19^th century that vineyards were removed here.

It was also later than the other vineyards that a vineyard was re-established in this area. In 1992 a small 500 metre square plot was planted. The last of the urban vineyards to be reinstated, this little vineyard produces pinot meunier and chardonnay grapes.

With a history of the first vines of Belleville being planted during the Carolingian Empire and famous wines such as Piquette and Guinguet being produced in this area, Clos de Belleville has a long history of wine making. Belleville is not the Paris of elegant Haussmann buildings and wide leafy boulevards, but rather busy markets, street art and of course, this cute little vineyard. A different Paris, but very delightful.

Useful Information

• Address: Parc de Belleville, rue des Couronnes, 75020, Paris
• Closest Metro: Couronnes (Line 2)

Will You Visit the Vineyards of Paris? 

Now you know where to find them, will you visit the hidden remaining vineyards of Paris? Reminding us of the ancient heritage of vine growing and wine production, it's also a good excuse to raise a glass and toast to the 'grapes of Paris'! 

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