Fête des Vendanges de Saumur
A festive and gourmet day in the gardens of the Château de Saumur
About Fête des Vendanges
The Grape Harvest Festival at the Château de Saumur: a tradition rooted in history
As early as the 14th century, the Château de Saumur was surrounded by vineyards, as evidenced by the famous September illumination in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, which depicts the grape harvest in front of the majestic silhouette of the castle. It is in this spirit of historical continuity that the Fête des Vendanges was created, transforming the castle gardens into a place to celebrate Saumur's wine heritage.
A festive and gourmet day
The day begins at 10 am with the grape harvester's breakfast, a convivial moment to regain strength before the festivities. At 10:30 am, a parade of wine brotherhoods with musical accompaniment crosses the town center to the castle, recalling the age-old traditions related to vines and wine.
Grape harvesting in the castle vineyards
The highlight of the morning, the official opening of the grape harvest at 11 am, allows visitors to participate in picking grapes in the castle's own vineyards. This unique moment offers an authentic experience in the heart of an exceptional historical site, overlooking the Loire and its hillsides.
Inductions and tastings
At noon, an induction ceremony by the wine brotherhoods and a tasting of local wines celebrate the official opening of the grape harvest season. The Saumurois appellations — Saumur, Saumur-Champigny, Saumur Brut — are honored.
Activities for the whole family
The afternoon offers numerous activities: a giant picnic from 12:30 pm to 2 pm in the castle gardens, oenology workshops from 2 pm to 6 pm to learn about wine tasting, a treasure hunt for all ages from 2 pm to 5 pm, pony rides for children, and musical entertainment throughout the day. Admission is free for all activities, shows, and even the castle visit.
Fête des Vendanges — edition 2026
2026 Edition — Sunday, September 13
The Grape Harvest Festival returns on Sunday, September 13, 2026, to the courtyard and gardens of the Château de Saumur to celebrate the opening of the grape harvest. Organized by the Ville de Saumur, this festive, gourmet, and family-friendly day is free: free access to shows, activities, and castle visits until 6 PM. The public is expected from 10 AM in the castle courtyard.
As tradition dictates, the festival pays tribute to the site's viticultural past: from the 14th century, the Château de Saumur was surrounded by vineyards, as evidenced by the illumination in the calendar of the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry.
The usual program for this day includes: grape pickers' snack, parade of wine brotherhoods with music, opening of the grape harvest and grape picking in the castle vineyards, induction by a brotherhood, pressing and tasting of grape juice, wine of honor and gourmet market, giant musical picnic at midday, followed by an oenological tour led by students from the agricultural and viticultural high school in the afternoon. The detailed 2026 program will be communicated by the Ville de Saumur and the Saumur Val de Loire Tourist Office closer to the event.
Programme Fête des Vendanges 2026
Sunday, September 13, 2026 — at Château de Saumur (free admission)
- 10 AM — Grape pickers' snack
- 10:30 AM — Parade of wine brotherhoods with music, featuring the Music'À Varennes brass band
- 11 AM — Opening of the grape harvest and grape picking in the castle vineyards
- 12 PM — Induction by a brotherhood, pressing and tasting of grape juice, wine of honor and gourmet market
- 12:30 PM – 2 PM — Giant musical picnic (tables and benches set up in the castle gardens)
- 2 PM – 6 PM — Oenological tour led by students from the agricultural and viticultural high school, activities and free visit of the castle until 6 PM
Provisional program established based on previous editions and announcements from the Ville de Saumur; the definitive 2026 details will be published closer to the event on ville-saumur.fr and ot-saumur.fr.
Prices Fête des Vendanges 2026
Practical information — Fête des Vendanges
Practical Information
Location
Gardens of the Château de Saumur, overlooking the Loire and the town center.
Hours
From 10 am to 6 pm.
Access
By car: Saumur is accessible via the A85. The castle is located on the heights of the town, accessible on foot from the town center (10 min uphill walk) or by car with parking nearby.
By train: Saumur station is a 15-minute walk from the castle.
Prices
Free admission for all activities, shows, and castle visit.
Food
Giant picnic in the gardens. Bring your basket or enjoy the food stalls on site.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the grape harvest and the walk up to the castle
- Bring your picnic for lunch in the gardens
- Remember sun protection in case of good weather
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Where does it take place — Fête des Vendanges
Château de Saumur
Château de Saumur, 49400 Saumur, 49400 Saumur