This weekend, don’t miss the annual Fête des Vendanges (grape harvest festival) in Russin, near Geneva. Over two days, enjoy wine tasting, local food, a grand parade, activities for children, and more!

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On Saturday, food and wine tasting stalls open at 11h30, and a children’s area is open from 14h00. On Sunday, festivities kick of at 08h30 and the grand parade starts Sunday afternoon promptly at 14h00.

Although we missed last year’s festival, my husband and I made a day out of it in Russin in 2012. Before the grand parade began, we explored the outdoor market and food/wine stalls around town. There were carnival favorites like bumper cars, plus pony rides, two men handling owls, and a display of antiquated wine-harvesting equipment. After that, it was time for the parade. We were lucky enough to find a place to stand along the route near the bleachers that had been erected for honored guests. We had a great vantage point from which we could see all of the participants in the parade stop to play and perform in front of the group.

Getting there: Russin is a short 13-minute train ride away from Geneva. RER trains will run every 15 minutes during the festival between Geneva’s Cornavin station and Russin. Parking is located at the edge of the village near Satigny; the village of Russin is closed to vehicles during the festival.

Times and Admission: The festival runs from 11h30 until 03h00 on Saturday September 20, and from 08h30 until 20h00 on Sunday the 21st.

More information: Visit the festival’s homepage by clicking here

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