Each spring, the historic town of Châtillon sur Seine in northern Burgundy comes alive for the Fête du Crémant et du Kir Royal. This event celebrates two iconic Burgundian beverages: Crémant de Bourgogne, the region’s sparkling wine, and the Kir Royal cocktail, made with Crémant and blackcurrant liqueur. The festival takes place within the town center, transforming its medieval streets and squares into a lively hub for local producers and visitors alike. It offers a direct insight into the viticultural traditions of the Châtillonnais region, an area known for its quality Crémant production.
What You Can Do
Visitors can engage directly with numerous Crémant producers, sampling a range of sparkling wines from various houses. Tastings are the core activity, allowing for comparison of different styles and grape blends. Beyond the Crémant, a dedicated Kir Royal bar serves the classic cocktail, often with local blackcurrant liqueurs. Educational sessions or informal discussions with winemakers provide context on production methods and regional characteristics. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, encouraging casual exploration and interaction rather than structured seminars.
What They Offer
The festival showcases Crémant de Bourgogne made from traditional Burgundian grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay, and Aligoté. These sparkling wines range from crisp Brut to elegant Rosé and sweeter Demi Sec styles. Local food producers offer regional specialties designed to pair well with the wines, including artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and pain d’épices. The event also features local craft stalls and sometimes live music, adding to the festive, community focused experience. It is a true celebration of Burgundian savoir faire.
Activities
Beyond the festival grounds, Châtillon sur Seine itself invites exploration. The town boasts a rich history, evident in its ancient churches and the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais, home to the Vix Treasure, an extraordinary Celtic artifact. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for gentle walks through nascent vineyards or along the Seine River. Day trips to nearby Burgundy appellations like Chablis or the Côte d’Or can complement the visit, providing a broader understanding of the region’s diverse wine landscape.
Food to Eat
Food at the Fête du Crémant is decidedly local. Stalls offer classic Burgundian fare such as gougères, small savory cheese puffs that are excellent with sparkling wine, and regional pâtés. Heartier options might include local sausages or slow cooked beef dishes. Artisan bread and pastries are also commonly available. The emphasis is on simple, high quality ingredients that reflect the region’s culinary heritage, providing authentic flavors to accompany the Crémant de Bourgogne.
Why Visit
Visiting the Fête du Crémant et du Kir Royal offers an authentic, unpretentious immersion into Burgundian sparkling wine culture. It provides a unique opportunity to taste a wide selection of Crémants directly from the producers in a convivial setting, away from larger commercial events. The festival connects visitors with the local community and its traditions, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a genuine experience of French regional gastronomy and viticulture.
The Fête du Crémant et du Kir Royal is a charming event, small in scale but rich in character. It delivers a focused experience on Burgundian sparkling wine, without unnecessary frills. While the town itself is quiet, the festival brings a welcome buzz, making it a pleasant weekend diversion for those keen on discovering local French wine celebrations.