Fête de Montmorency

The Fête de Montmorency, between medieval heritage and popular life

The Fête de Montmorency is the annual festive event for the inhabitants of this historic city perched above the Vallée de Montmorency, in the Val-d'Oise. Organized by the municipality and local associations, this popular celebration draws on the city's rich heritage to offer a program combining cultural activities, open-air concerts, and popular festivities.

Montmorency is a city of about 20,000 inhabitants with an exceptional historical past. Its name is linked to one of the most illustrious families of French nobility: the Dukes of Montmorency, who played a crucial role in the medieval and Renaissance history of France. The city is also known worldwide for having hosted Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who lived there from 1756 to 1762 and wrote his most important works there: Julie, or the New Heloise, The Social Contract, and Emile, or On Education.

The Jean-Jacques Rousseau Museum, the cultural heart of the festival

The Jean-Jacques Rousseau Museum, housed in the residence where the philosopher stayed, is at the heart of Montmorency's cultural life. The summer festival is an opportunity to offer activities centered around Rousseau's work and life: thematic guided tours, creative workshops for children, open-air lectures, and readings of texts in the museum's garden.

These activities allow residents to rediscover the philosophical and literary heritage of Montmorency, while making accessible to the general public a body of work and thought that influenced the French Revolution and all of modernity. The museum regularly organizes literary tea rooms in its garden, where visitors can enjoy tea and pastries while discussing Enlightenment ideas.

The cherries of Montmorency: the festival of the emblematic fruit

Montmorency is world-famous for its Bigarreau de Montmorency cherries, a tart variety that has given its name to a recognized appellation in many countries. For centuries, the cherry orchards covering the slopes of the Montmorency hill were one of the region's main agricultural assets. Although this cultivation declined significantly in the 20th century, the cherry remains the symbolic identity of Montmorency.

During the summer festivities, the Montmorency cherry is celebrated through gastronomic activities: tastings of fresh cherries, cherry recipe contests, and sales of derivative products (jams, clafoutis, kirsch) by local producers. These culinary events help perpetuate the memory of this agricultural tradition that brought fame to Montmorency worldwide.

Open-air concerts and summer shows

The Fête de Montmorency offers a program of open-air concerts in the city's public spaces. The Place de la Mairie, surrounded by the Saint-Martin Basilica and historic buildings, provides an exceptional medieval setting for open-air concerts. The Fête de la Musique on June 21st is celebrated there with concerts of jazz, French popular music, and classical music that harmonize perfectly with the city's atmosphere.

Folk groups and dance troupes perform during the summer events, perpetuating musical and dance traditions that align with the history and charm of Montmorency. Puppet shows and storytelling activities introduce children to the city's cultural heritage in a fun and festive setting.

Surprise Weekends and downtown activities

The municipality of Montmorency organizes "Surprise Weekends" that animate the city center with unexpected activities: pop-up exhibitions, artistic performances, tastings of local products, and meetings with artisans. These festive weekends, held at different times of the year, contribute to the vibrancy of the city center and the promotion of Montmorency's architectural and commercial heritage.

The Rue de la Chaussée and the Place Cour Blanche, with their half-timbered houses and medieval facades, are the ideal setting for these street animations that allow residents and visitors to stroll through the old town in a festive and historic atmosphere.

Heritage Days

The European Heritage Days in September are one of the highlights of the year in Montmorency. The city, with its exceptional architectural heritage—Saint-Martin Collegiate Church, Château des Ducs de Montmorency, Renaissance houses—opens its monuments and historical sites to a wide audience during these festive days. Guided tours, concerts in religious buildings, and exhibitions enrich this high-quality cultural program.