The city of Avignon, capital of the region where Cotes du Rhone wines are produced, is pleased to announce that the annual harvest festival is drawing near and the town is ready to welcome tourists.

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - August 31st, 2012 - The tradition of celebrating the grape harvest dates back to the Middle Ages and was traditionally referred to as a Bacchic. The modern version, which is known as the Ban des Vendages, features a parade, live music and a variety of wine tastings, so both visitors and locals alike can celebrate the various wines that are produced in the Avignon region.

The harvest proclamation this year will take place on Saturday, 1st September and will include a programme of activities that continue all day long.

The parade will feature representatives of the great wine confraternities of the region, who will march in their official ceremonial robes to music provided by brass bands. The official beginning of the harvest festival will take place in the miniature vineyard at the Rocher de Doms gardens, which are situated above the Palace of the Popes, a building that dates from the 1300s and is considered one of the most significant medieval Gothic structures in all of Europe.

The remainder of the day will be filled with a fascinating array of activities sure to delight children and adults alike. The evening is expected to feature a variety of additional entertainment and activities, including a series of wine tastings, a market offering a selection of local products and a concert. Best of all, perhaps, is the fact that the Ban des Vendages is unlike many of the festivals tourists attend, in that it is entirely free of charge.

For more details on the festival and all it entails, wine lovers are invited to visit the official event website, which can be found at www.foudevin.com.

Quality Villas France (www.QualityVillas.com) offer a selection of luxury villas in the Avignon area for anyone planning on visiting during the annual wine harvest.

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