Le Clos des Arènes, hidden vineyards in the heart of the Arènes de Lutèce in Paris

If you didn't already know, the city of Paris is home to a number of vineyards, carefully cultivated throughout the capital's territory. Clos des Arènes is one of these micro-vineyards, a reminder that the Île-de-France was once one of France's three most important wine-producing regions.

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Between the 14th and 18th centuries, many vines grew in the Arènes de Lutèce. Gradually, however, the massive urbanization of the city led to the disappearance of the various areas dedicated to grape-growing in Paris. This was the case for all the city's vineyards: from Belleville to Bercy, via the Vaugirard district, all the vines in Paris disappeared completely. Then, in the 20th century, micro-vineyards reappeared, carefully cultivated each year and sometimes harvested, to pay tribute to the capital's winegrowing past, which is now difficult to glimpse.

Les vignes de Paris: discover the capital's wine heritage
Vineyards in Paris? Yes, you can find them, and in fact, in several places in the capital. Little known, they bear witness to the importance of grape growing in Paris several centuries ago, and are still cultivated and harvested every year! Let's discover them? [Read more]

If the Arènes de Lutèce now boasts more than 200 vines, it's because they have been replanted by the 5th arrondissement's mayor's office in the Clos des Arènes. As you stroll around the Arènes de Lutèce, one of the oldest historic sites in Paris, you'll catch a glimpse of the vines on the heights of the arena: every year in September or October, don't miss the grape harvest at the Clos!