Fête de la Véraison
Medieval and wine festival in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards
About Fête de la Véraison
The Fête de la Véraison: Forty Years of Medieval Celebration in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Born in 1985 on the initiative of the municipality and local winegrowers, the Fête de la Véraison celebrates a key moment in the wine calendar every first weekend of August: the veraison, the precise instant when the grapes begin to change color and accumulate their sugars, heralding the upcoming harvest. In 2025, the festival celebrates its 40th anniversary with an exceptional three-day program, from August 1st to 3rd.
A Village Plunged into the Middle Ages
For a weekend, the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape travels back in time, donning medieval attire. More than 13 historical reenactment troupes parade and entertain in the streets in period costumes: knights in armor, court ladies, troubadours, jugglers, archers, and stilt walkers take over the village. Artisans – glassblowers, blacksmiths, basket weavers, and sculptors – set up their workshops and demonstrate their ancestral skills, reviving the crafts of yesteryear.
Shows of knight fights, fire-eaters, and medieval games follow one another throughout the day, enchanting both young and old. The highlight of each evening is the nocturnal fire show, a grand spectacle under the stars that illuminates the ancient stones of the village and the ruined papal castle.
The Wine Brotherhood and the Véraison Procession
The spiritual heart of the festival is the Véraison Procession, organized by the Confrérie des Vins de Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine Brotherhood). Dressed in their ceremonial robes, the members of the brotherhood parade solemnly through the village to bless the vines and pay homage to the grape pickers preparing to begin their work. This tradition perpetuates the age-old link between Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its exceptional wine, one of the most prestigious in the Côtes du Rhône.
Over 100 Wine and Gastronomy Stands
The Fête de la Véraison is also, and above all, a great gourmet festival. More than 100 stands are set up in the streets and on the village square, where Châteauneuf-du-Pape winegrowers offer tastings of their vintages. The famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC appellation, with its powerful Grenache-based reds and rare aromatic whites, is in the spotlight. Local producers complement the offerings with their olives, olive oils, tapenades, Provençal cheeses, and other regional specialties.
Local restaurateurs serve traditional Provençal dishes on-site: daube, lamb from Crau, ratatouille, brandade, and goat cheeses, accompanied, of course, by the appellation's wines. Evenings are enlivened by medieval and Provençal music groups.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Exceptional Heritage
Beyond the festival, Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers an extraordinary setting. The papal castle, of which only a tower and a few remains are left, has overlooked the village and vineyards since the 14th century, recalling the period when the Popes of Avignon came here to hunt and age their wine. The Brotte Wine Museum and the Vineyard Tools Museum offer a glimpse into the wine history of the appellation, one of the first in France to create a decree delimiting its area in 1923, preceding the creation of the AOCs.
A Free and Family-Friendly Festival
The Fête de la Véraison is entirely free. Accessible to all, it attracts over 15,000 visitors each year over the three days of the weekend, coming from all over Provence and beyond. It is an ideal family event where children and adults can discover medieval history and Provençal wine culture together in an authentic and warm festive atmosphere.
Fête de la Véraison — edition 2026
The Fête de la Véraison returns to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for its 41st edition, from Friday, July 31 to Sunday, August 2, 2026. For three days, the Provençal village travels back to the 14th century, to the time when Pope Clement VI stayed in his summer residence: knights and noble ladies, minstrels, jugglers, fire-eaters, and merchants invade the streets to celebrate the wines of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC appellation. Free access to street entertainment; tasting bracelet optional.
Fête de la Véraison 2026 — 41st edition
For its 41st edition, the Fête de la Véraison will be held on July 31, August 1 and 2, 2026 in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Created in 1985 to commemorate Pope Clement VI's summer stays at the castle, this grand medieval and wine festival attracts between 30,000 and 35,000 visitors each year.
For three days, the entire village transforms into a medieval city animated by over 200 actors and extras: encampments, games and trades of yesteryear, parades and historical reenactments, demonstrations of ancient weapons, falconry, acrobats, and fire-eaters. Two main areas structure the festival: the Rue des Ripailles and the Place des Campements, where about a hundred stalls offer medieval crafts and local products.
The village's winemakers and cellars open their doors for wine tastings of the appellation. The Procession de la Confrérie and the blessing of the vines constitute the solemn moment of the weekend, while the evenings conclude with fire shows and a grand torchlight parade at nightfall.
Programme Fête de la Véraison 2026
For three days, the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape transforms into a 14th-century medieval city, at the time when Pope Clement VI resided in his summer home. Reenactment companies, musicians, and merchants take over the streets and squares around the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC appellation.
Activity Hubs
- Place de l'Église: petting farm and animal discovery, medieval tavern, concerts.
- Place des Campements: the Pontifical Court, the companies La Coterie du Renard and Dominium Vulpis, the introductory knighthood course with Cie du Paladin, Taverne Panisso.
- Wandering performances: les Baladins de Méliador, les Gueux du Dauphin, la Milice de Sembadelle, Celva by Cie Monts Rieurs, le Théâtre de la Ronde.
- Music: Les Coupeurs de Bourses, Saboï, Sonal by Cie Aouta, Trybu by Cie Monts Rieurs, La Rioule.
- At the Tourist Office: free workshops “Tisser les Cartes”.
- Town Hall Lobby: exhibitions of pontifical costumes and coats of arms by Les Chevaliers du Monos.
Highlights
Friday, July 31, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Inaugural parade of Pope Clement VI and his Pontifical Court
- 9:00 PM — Concert by Trybu des Monts Rieurs, Place de la Fontaine
- 10:00 PM — Dances with the Saboï horde
Saturday, August 1, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Parade of Pope Clement VI and his Pontifical Court
- 9:00 PM — Concert by La Rioule, Place de la Fontaine
- 10:00 PM — Dances with the Saboï horde
Sunday, August 2, 2026
- 11:00 AM — Parade of Pope Clement VI and his Pontifical Court
- 9:00 PM — Closing parade with all the troupes
- 9:30 PM — Dances and music with the Saboï horde
New in 2026: Rue des Pitchouns
A new street dedicated to children with free activities: wooden games by Cie Jeuxmamuse, pony races by Les Chevaliers de la Lice, and immersive visits with tastings at the Comte de Lauze, Moulin Tacussel, and Porte Rouge estates (registration at the Tourist Office required).
Highlights Fête de la Véraison 2026
- Over 200 actors and extras in medieval costumes in the village streets
- Large medieval market (~100 stalls): art crafts and local products
- Tastings of Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC appellation wines
- Parades, reenactments, demonstrations of ancient weapons, falconry
- Procession of the Confrérie and blessing of the vines
- Fire shows and torchlight parade in the evening
Prices Fête de la Véraison 2026
Practical information — Fête de la Véraison
Access
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is located in the Vaucluse (84), 15 km north of Avignon.
- By car: From Avignon, take the D225 towards Châteauneuf-du-Pape (20 min). From Orange, take the D68 (15 min).
- By train: Avignon TGV station. Shuttles organized during the festival from Avignon.
- Parking: Free parking on the outskirts of the village, signage provided on the day of the event.
Hours
Friday: 6 PM – 11 PM. Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM – 11 PM. Nocturnal fire show every evening from 10 PM.
Prices
Free admission. Wine tastings are paid, by the bottle or glass. Food available on-site.
Contact
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape Town Hall: 04 90 83 71 08
- Official website: www.chateauneuf-du-pape.fr
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Where does it take place — Fête de la Véraison
Village de Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Le Bourg, 84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape