Rando des Vendanges de Chablis

Hiking in the Chablis vineyards during the harvest

The Rando des Vendanges de Chablis is one of the most popular events on the Yonne's autumn calendar. Organized every year at the end of September by the association Les Sentiers Chablisiens, it invites both beginner walkers and experienced hikers to explore the Chablis vineyard at the precise moment when nature dons its most beautiful colors and the harvesters are busy in the rows of vines.

Three routes for all levels

To suit all profiles, the hike offers three distinct routes:

• 10 km: ideal for families with children or occasional walkers, this route offers a beautiful immersion in the vineyards without any particular difficulty
• 15 km: the intermediate route, which allows you to discover a wider area around Chablis
• 20 km: reserved for seasoned hikers, this long route crosses the different terroirs of the appellation and offers extensive panoramas of the vineyard

All departures are from the Local du Foot, avenue des Enfants de Chablis, starting from 8 am. Refreshments are provided along the route and at the finish, allowing walkers to regain their strength with local products.

An exceptional terroir within reach

Walking the wine routes of Chablis means diving into the history of one of the world's most renowned vineyards. The Chablis Grand Cru, planted on Kimmeridgian slopes – those gray marls rich in primitive oyster fossils that give the wines their characteristic minerality – is magnificently discovered on foot. The seven classified Grand Cru plots — Blanchot, Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Preuses, Valmur, and Vaudésir — overlook the right bank of the Serein river and are particularly admired from the hiking trails.

In September, the vines are adorned with shades ranging from soft green to golden yellow, and the hum of the harvesters and the activity in the cellars bring a unique atmosphere to this walk. Each step is an opportunity to understand the intimate relationship between this chalky terroir and the great white wines that the whole world seeks.

Souvenir gift and conviviality at the finish

Each adult participant receives a souvenir gift featuring the hike, a token of their participation in this festive event. The finish line is an opportunity to share a moment of conviviality with other walkers over a glass of wine and local products from the Chablis region.

The hike is open to families, with children up to 14 years old welcomed free of charge. The modest adult fee contributes to the funding of the activities of the association Les Sentiers Chablisiens, which works year-round to maintain and promote the hiking trails in the Chablis area.

Chablis, the Chardonnay capital of the world

A small town of less than 2,500 inhabitants, Chablis is known worldwide for its white wines made from the sole Chardonnay grape variety. Its vineyard extends over more than 5,000 hectares spread across the Petit Chablis, Chablis, Chablis Premier Cru, and Chablis Grand Cru appellations. The Rando des Vendanges is the perfect opportunity to discover this hierarchy and the subtle geography of one of Burgundy's most northerly vineyards, just 180 km from Paris, in situ.