Champagne harvest: authorities close accommodation site deemed unfit for seasonal workers

Saturday 15 August 2026 - 17:00

By: Sahili Aya

Champagne harvest: authorities close accommodation site deemed unfit for seasonal workers

French authorities have ordered the closure of a seasonal workers’ accommodation site in Damery, in the Marne department, after an inspection found a series of serious shortcomings during the Champagne grape harvest period.

The prefect of Marne issued the closure order on Friday after a joint inspection by labour authorities and the gendarmerie uncovered conditions described by the prefecture as unfit for accommodating seasonal employees.

The site was reportedly housing four workers when inspectors visited on Wednesday.

Unregistered accommodation found during inspection

According to the prefecture, the accommodation had not been declared in advance to the relevant state authorities.

Inspectors also identified several breaches involving living conditions. Seasonal workers were reportedly staying in tents, while sanitary facilities and toilets were considered inadequately arranged.

The authorities additionally pointed to insufficient overall hygiene throughout the premises.

The inspection took place in Damery, a commune in the Champagne wine-producing area, as preparations for the annual grape harvest bring large numbers of temporary workers to the region.

Closure ordered after joint inspection

Following the findings, the prefect of Marne ordered the immediate closure of the collective accommodation facility.

The site had been made available by a family-run Champagne grower and producer, according to the prefecture.

The intervention highlights the scrutiny placed on accommodation provided to seasonal agricultural workers, particularly during the harvest period, when demand for temporary labour rises sharply.

More than 100,000 seasonal workers expected in Champagne

The Champagne harvest attracts more than 100,000 seasonal workers each year, making adequate accommodation an important issue for local authorities and the wine industry.

While the vast majority of employers provide accommodation within the applicable framework, inspections can expose cases where basic health, safety and administrative requirements are not met.

The Damery case is now also subject to an investigation aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the accommodation arrangements and any potential responsibility arising from the violations identified by inspectors.