Avignon, the city of popes and light, is also at the heart of one of France's most popular wine regions: the Cotes du Rhone.
And with the „Vignes des Papes“, the municipality has the only Wingert of France within the city walls.

The beginning of the grape harvest - not only in the „Vignes des Papes“, but also in the surrounding municipalities - begins every year with a big festival: The Ban de Vendages, the announcement of the grape harvest.

The event starts with a colourful parade from Rue de la Republique to Place du Palais des Papes. A wine fair takes place in the Cathedral and the wine awards solemnly announce the start of the harvest.

Many wines can be tasted at the stands. The first grapes are pressed in public and the sweet must is distributed. In the evening, well-known musicians play at the open-air wine harvest ball.