Carnaval de Cormeilles-en-Parisis

Cormeilles-en-Parisis celebrates Carnival

Cormeilles-en-Parisis, a town in the Val-d'Oise perched on the hills overlooking the Seine between Argenteuil and Pontoise, celebrates its Carnival every spring with a grand parade through the town's streets. Known for its ancient gypsum quarries that supplied plaster to the capital for centuries and for the vineyard that still covers its sunny hills, the town dons its festive attire each spring for a day of popular revelry.

The great masked parade

The highlight of the Cormeilles-en-Parisis Carnival is undoubtedly the grand parade that winds through the main streets of the town for several kilometers. Flowery and decorated floats, prepared for weeks by associations and neighborhood committees, parade slowly before thousands of spectators gathered on the sidewalks. Brass bands and municipal harmonies accompany the procession with their brass instruments and cheerful rhythms, giving the parade a festive and engaging sound dimension. Costumed dance groups — Brazilian samba, African dances, tap dance groups — add touches of color and movement that warm the hearts of spectators despite the possible spring chill. The carnival queen and king, elected from among the residents most involved in the festivities, parade majestically on the lead float to the cheers of the crowd.

Animations and festivities throughout the day

The Cormeilles-en-Parisis Carnival is not limited to the parade alone: the entire day is filled with festive events that extend the joy of the procession. A costume contest rewards the most creative, funniest, and most original costumes in several categories (best individual costume, best group costume, best children's costume). Games and activities are offered for children in dedicated areas: face painting, mask-making workshops, inflatable games, and puppet shows. Food stands run by local associations offer regional specialties, waffles, crepes, and drinks to sustain participants.

The hills of Cormeilles as a natural setting

The Cormeilles-en-Parisis carnival benefits from the remarkable natural setting of the town. The vineyard-covered hills and the panoramas of the Seine offer picturesque backdrops for parade photos. The alleys and climbs that cross the hills allow for winding and picturesque parades that change each year according to the chosen routes. The industrial heritage linked to the gypsum quarries — now converted into natural and sports areas — recalls the town's hardworking history and contrasts with the festive lightness of the carnival.

Practical Information

By car: Cormeilles-en-Parisis is accessible via the A15 or N14. Parking available near the town center.

By public transport: Cormeilles-en-Parisis station (Transilien line J from Paris-Saint-Lazare). The station is a few minutes from the town center.

Free admission for the entire parade and all activities.