Fête des Vendanges

The very first Fête des Vendanges took place in Banyuls in 1996. The beach was chosen as the main venue, rather than the vineyards, to open the celebrations up to the public. Now in its 23rd year, with thousands of visitors expected once again, (so arriving early to find a parking space is recommended) the Fête de Vendanges  turns the beach into a colourful, animated mass of eating and drinking, bands and musicians, jugglers, glee and laughter. Towards the end of the afternoon, Catalan Barques zig zag a ballet in the bay before bringing the “harvest” in to the shore.

Book your own free table on the beach (info from town hall) and invite your friends to make a day of it with you. Take your own food and drink, BBQ, or buy food and wine from the many beach bars and restaurants set up on the sands. A lively day of fun and bonhomie.

Every October the Fête de Vendanges takes place, this year on the 12th and 13th, with the main shenanigans taking place on  Sunday 13th.

The tastings, the smoke rising from the BBQs (which you can use yourself – bring you own meat) and merriment has to be seen to be believed.

On the Sunday the beach becomes positively medieval, the smoke from endless grillades rising in to the autumn air, musicians, stilt walkers and jugglers mingling with the crowd, food is consumed in great quantities, much wine is drunk and, towards the end of the afternoon, Catalan Barques zig zag a ballet in the bay before bringing the “harvest” in to the shore.

Buy and keep your special Fête des Vendanges glass around your neck and just keep on getting it filled up….and  filled up……

Book your own table in advance (free) on the beach (info from town hall) and invite your friends to make a day of it with you. Take your own food and drink, BBQ, or buy food and wine from the many beach bars and restaurants.