On Tuesday mornings on the port of Cassis, the smell of fresh fish mingles with wild thyme drifting down from Cap Canaille. In late September, another fragrance joins in: that of the grape harvest. Marsanne and Clairette grapes are picked, the vats fill up, and the village celebrates in its own way, with Michelin-starred chefs, passionate winemakers and open-air cooking demonstrations. The Vendanges Étoilées de Cassis returns for its 14th edition from 25 to 27 September 2026.
AOC Cassis, Provence's first appellation, since 1936
You cannot understand the Vendanges Étoilées without knowing the vineyard behind them. AOC Cassis, recognised on 15 May 1936, is the oldest appellation in Provence and one of the first six created in France. In 2026, it celebrates its 90th anniversary. Twelve estates share around 210 hectares perched between Cap Canaille and the calanques, a tiny vineyard by national standards, but whose dry, crisp whites, blending Marsanne, Clairette and Bourboulenc, are among the most sought-after in the region. White accounts for over 70% of production, rosé around 25%, and red remains a rarity.
Michelin-starred chefs, workshops and four-hand dinners
The festival unfolds across three open-air sites: Place Baragnon in the heart of the village, Esplanade Charles de Gaulle and the port. The programme centres on cooking demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs and Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, over thirty chefs per edition. In 2025, the patron was Pierre Gagnaire (three stars), invited by Dimitri Droisneau, chef of La Villa Madie in Cassis (three stars since 2022). The 2026 patron has not yet been announced, but the standard is always met.
The programme includes cooking and pastry classes for adults and children (booking required), wine workshops with AOC winemakers, a producers' and artisans' market, and the famous four-hand dinners in village restaurants. The chefs' pétanque tournament, now a tradition, closes each edition in good spirits. Access to the market and open-air demonstrations is free. Around 15,000 visitors are expected over the three days.
Opening hours
Friday 25 September: from 5pm. Saturday 26: 10am to 6:30pm. Sunday 27: 10am to 5pm. The full programme is available at lesvendangesetoilees.com.
Getting to Cassis, let's talk about parking
Traffic and parking information is communicated by the organisers and the town hall before the event: check it before you set off. MR Taxi drops you as close as possible and picks you up at the exit, from all towns in the region, at the guaranteed maximum price announced at booking. If the place is hard to reach, I will give you an easily accessible meeting point.
It is advisable to book at least 24 hours ahead, but even at the last minute I adapt and find a solution. Estimate your trip on the Private transport page or contact us.
