Come celebrate summer! Will you be visiting Montpellier this summer to take a French course? Starting from Friday the 8th of July and continuing every Friday through mid-August from 18h00 to 23h30, one of the most festive and interesting summer events takes place in the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle in Montpellier just next to the Tourism Bureau. The Estivales of Montpellier is a large open-air market/wine tasting/music festival with many exhibitors, artisans, booksellers, food booths and winemakers – an open air public party with tons of summer energy. The atmosphere is fabulous! To those of us lucky enough to call Montpellier home, it is THE summer event! It is an amazing party and a really cool way to see the culture of France up close during your language stay in Montpellier.
This is one of the most eclectic and varied events of the summer featuring everything from artists selling their creations to all different kinds of nibbles, treats and food – tapas to oysters to ice cream – and of course WINE! You can meet the wine makers, taste an interesting variety of local wines, and buy a bottle to enjoy as you lounge in the park and listen to the live music. Over 150 exhibitors and merchants offer everything you need to satisfy your hunger and thirst. As you taste the local wines, the winemakers are more than happy to discuss their wine with you giving you a great opportunity to use the vocabulary you pick up while taking a French course.
What better way to gain confidence and learn French than through wine tastings!
Estivales is celebrating its twelfth year! In 2015, more than 200,000 people enjoyed the party under the trees. There is a definite summer feel to the Estivales… the warm night air, dancing under the lights twined in the tall plane trees, sipping the fine crisp vintages of Languedoc, and nibbling on local fare. After a long day at the beach, shopping in the center of town, or taking a French course, come be a part of a Montpellier summer tradition.
One of the most interesting parts of Estivales is the free (reservation required) 45-minute-long wine tasting classes. What an experience to add to your language stay in Montpellier! Held every Friday during Estivales, these introductory workshops teach you the basics of wine tasting in partnership with Les Coteaux du Languedoc and under the guidance of an experienced winemaker. They guide you through the local whites, rosés, and reds. You will learn how to taste wine, how to detect and recognize aromas and flavors through visual examination, smell and taste. You can learn the vocabulary of wine, about the grapes used to make the local wine, and the basics of how wine is made. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the wine making process with actual wine makers and professionals passionate about their work and their region. What a great way to learn French wine vocabulary while building your knowledge of one of Languedoc’s most prized products!
The party really fires up after 20h00 when the music starts. There are two stages – one on the stairs of the Corum Amphitheater and the other on the center bandstand of the Esplanade. Concerts each Friday night with with eclectic music styles, dance lessons including tango and salsa give the Estivales a party beat to liven up your wine tasting.
Through Estivales, the City of Montpellier reaffirms its support for the wine industry and celebrates the richness of this region. Discover the expertise of local producers and artisans. More than 160 wineries and 100 exhibitors await you. Estivales is also a unique moment of conviviality: concerts, entertainment, free initiations to dance and oenology.
Come discover the incredible wine of this region and enjoy the party and a Languedoc summer!
Every Friday night from July 08 to August 26, 2016 from 18:30 to 23:30.
Information:
Tourist Office Esplanade Comedie
30 Jean de Lattre de Tassigny 34000 Montpellier
Tel: 04 67 60 60 60
More info: www.montpellier-tourisme.fr
Learn about the FREE WINE
Introductory workshops at the 45 minute free tasting are organized every Friday evening, in partnership with Les Coteaux du Languedoc and under the guidance of an experienced winemaker.
Learn wine tasting, detect and recognize aromas and flavors through visual examination, smell and taste. Speaking of wine, about the preparation, composition, vocabulary control.
So many exciting topics to discuss with professionals passionate about their work and their region.
2 sessions. 6:30 p.m. ET 19:30 each day. Limited to 30 reserved places.
Held in the garden of the Tourist Office.
Information and registration:
Tourist Bureau
Esplanade Charles de Gaulle
Tel. 04 67 60 60 60