Carnaval de Gentilly
The town's spring festival at the gates of Paris
About Carnaval de Gentilly
The Gentilly Carnival is a popular and friendly celebration that brings together associations, schools, leisure centers, and residents of this small town in Val-de-Marne, on the outskirts of Paris, every year in February. Costumes, face-painted groups, and a colorful parade through the streets of Gentilly animate this family event organized by the Maison des familles, a symbol of the town's conviviality.
The Carnaval de Gentilly: the festival at the gates of Paris
The Carnaval de Gentilly is a popular celebration of spring that brings the Gentilly community together each year in a festive and colorful parade. Gentilly, a charming town at the gates of Paris, has a strong local identity and a dynamic network of associations, making the carnival an anticipated and appreciated event by all.
A parade through the town streets
The Carnaval de Gentilly parade winds through the main streets of the town, starting from the vicinity of the town hall or Rue Gabriel Péri, the main artery that runs along the underground Bièvre river. The procession includes floats decorated by associations and leisure centers, brass bands, percussion groups, dance troupes, and hundreds of costumed participants.
The human scale of Gentilly (around 18,000 inhabitants) gives the carnival an intimate and warm atmosphere, where everyone knows or recognizes each other. It is a neighborhood festival, deeply rooted in local life, which provides a pleasant contrast to the major events in neighboring Paris.
Gentilly, town of the Bièvre
Gentilly is crossed by the Bièvre, a river that is now underground but whose rehabilitation is a significant issue for the town. The carnival can be an opportunity to raise residents' awareness of the Bièvre's history and to emphasize the importance of waterways in urban life. Some editions reference the river in their themes and decorations.
Gentilly's associative life
Gentilly boasts an active and committed network of associations, which is a source of pride for the town. Cultural, sports, social, and solidarity associations participate in organizing the carnival, contributing their skills and good humor. Costume-making and float decoration workshops are held in the weeks leading up to the event, allowing residents to participate in the collective preparation.
Finale and conviviality
The day concludes with a festive gathering featuring music, children's entertainment, and the burning of the Winter Man. A shared snack or refreshments from the associations complete this moment of conviviality, bringing the Carnaval de Gentilly to a joyful and good-humored close.
Carnaval de Gentilly — edition 2026
The Carnaval de Gentilly 2026 had "the Carnival of Animals" as its theme. Organized by the Maison des familles, it took place from February 18 to 21, 2026, with mask and costume making workshops during the week, followed by a grand costumed parade through the city streets on Friday, February 21, concluding with a festive finale at the Marcel-Cerdan gymnasium.
Carnaval de Gentilly 2026 — "the Carnival of Animals"
For its 2026 edition, the Carnaval de Gentilly adopted animals as its theme. Organized by the Maison des familles, the carnival week brought together children and residents around creative workshops before the grand costumed parade on Friday, February 21.
The parade day began with a makeup workshop at the Maison des familles, followed by the procession through the streets of Gentilly with the participation of leisure centers. The carnival concluded with a finale open to everyone at the Marcel-Cerdan gymnasium.
Programme Carnaval de Gentilly 2026
Tuesday, February 18, 2026
- 2:00 PM - 4:30 PM — Mask and costume making (Maison des familles)
Wednesday, February 19, 2026
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM — Cooking workshop (salle du Chaperon vert, participation 2 €)
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM — Mask and costume making (Maison des familles)
Thursday, February 20, 2026
- 9:30 AM — Carnival breakfast (Maison des familles)
Friday, February 21, 2026
- From 1:30 PM — Children's makeup at the Maison des familles
- Grand costumed parade through the streets of Gentilly, with the participation of leisure centers
- Finale at the Marcel-Cerdan gymnasium (open to everyone)
Highlights Carnaval de Gentilly 2026
- 2026 Theme: "the Carnival of Animals"
- A week of creative workshops (masks, costumes, cooking)
- Grand costumed parade through the streets of Gentilly
- Festive finale at the Marcel-Cerdan gymnasium, open to all
Prices Carnaval de Gentilly 2026
Practical information — Carnaval de Gentilly
Practical Information
Dates and Times
The Gentilly Carnival takes place in February, organized by the town's Maison des familles. The grand costumed parade takes place on the afternoon of the last day, starting around 1:30 PM and ending at the Marcel-Cerdan gymnasium, open to everyone.
Location
Parade through the streets of Gentilly, with children's face painting at the Maison des familles before departure and arrival at the Marcel-Cerdan gymnasium.
Access
By metro: line 7, Gentilly station. By RER: RER B, Gentilly station. By bus: several lines serve Gentilly from Paris (Porte d'Italie).
Admission
Free admission for all activities.
Contact
Maison des familles de Gentilly — 01 47 40 58 60 / 06 27 36 35 18 — [email protected]
Ville de Gentilly: ville-gentilly.fr
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Where does it take place — Carnaval de Gentilly
Centre-ville de Gentilly
Rue Gabriel Péri, 94250 Gentilly