As befits the reputation of Paris as a world capital of fine gastronomic experiences, the city plays host to some superb, high quality gourmet fairs. The Montmartre Harvest Festival is one outstanding example and there are two more that we would like to bring to your attention. The Salon du Chocolat, at the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre, runs from October 29th to November 2nd. Then, on November 28th and 29th there’s the Grand Tasting at the Carrousel du Louvre.
Paris presents the finest in Chocolate and Wine
With around 500 participants, manufacturers and exhibitors, the Salon du Chocolat has come to be regarded as the finest chocolate trade show in the world. On this 20th anniversary occasion watch recipe demonstrations by leading pastry chefs and chocolatiers, view an exhibition of chocolate art, sample different kinds of chocolate from around the world and enjoy the exuberant Cocoa Show, featuring singing, dancing and traditions from cocoa producing countries. Children will love joining in with the chocolate workshops. Then experience the truly amazing Chocolate Fashion Show, where chocolate couture draped models stride the catwalk. This anniversary edition will also showcase the best chocolate fashions from the past two decades.
The Grand Tasting is a two day wine tasting festival held in the exhibition hall of the Carrousel du Louvre shopping mall. Showcasing the best red, white, champagne and rosé wines wines from all over France, the show also offers a programme of entertainment and education.
This annual event began in 2006 and is hosted by the highly respected French wine critics Thierry Desseauve and Michel Bettane. Highlights include Ateliers Gourmet workshops to help you find the best pairings of food and wine, Master Classes designed to assist you in discovering the finest wines under the expert tutelage of noted connoisseurs and winemakers, and Ecole des Terroirs educational tasting sessions. It’s a relaxed event and you will find plenty of experts willing to share their enthusiasm with you.
Wine and fine food at the Montmartre Harvest Festival
France is, of course, famous for her production of fine wine, but it is a little known fact that there still remains one vineyard within the boundaries of Paris. Located on the butte of Montmartre, the Clos Montmartre vineyard was established in the early 30s and now produces an annual yield of 1,000 to 1,500 bottles from its 1,600 square metres. Each year the Montmartre Harvest Festival takes place, with parades, concerts, a fireworks display, craft and produce stalls and wine tasting opportunities.
The mood is light, the atmosphere welcoming and the food and wine delicious, so why not come and be a part of this joyous occasion?
******
- Salon du Chocolat: October 29 - November 2, 2014
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris 15e
Metro Porte de Versailles, line 12 or Balard, line 8
Tramway Porte de Versailles, line T3 - Grand Tasting: November 28-29
Carrousel du Louvre, 99 Rue de Rivoli, Paris 1er
Metro : Louvre-Rivoli or Tuileries, line 1 – Pyramides, lines 7, 14
~oOo~
Picture copyright holder : Paris Tourist Office - Photographer Marc Bertrand
Best Western Quartier Latin Panthéon Hotel, a 3 star hotel Paris