Fête Nationale de Gentilly

National Day in Gentilly: everyone's celebration at Parc Picasso

Every July 13th or 14th, the town of Gentilly (94250) organizes its National Day with a friendly and popular format that reflects the soul of this town of 17,000 inhabitants, nestled between Paris (13th arrondissement), Montrouge, Arcueil, and Le Kremlin-Bicêtre.

The Republican Picnic: a moment of sharing

Festivities begin at 7 PM at Parc Picasso, the town's main green space. The evening opens with a popular picnic inviting residents to bring their own food and share a friendly meal outdoors. This participatory format encourages neighborly encounters and strengthens bonds of solidarity within the Gentilly community.

Tables and chairs are set up on the park's lawns, creating a relaxed and warm guinguette atmosphere. Families come in large numbers with children and grandchildren, perpetuating the republican tradition of shared meals.

The Popular Ball

After the picnic, it's time to dance! The popular ball takes place on the specially arranged dance floor in Parc Picasso, with a DJ or a live band depending on the edition. An eclectic repertoire: French variety, world music, Latin, soul, and classics from the 1980s-1990s get the people of Gentilly dancing until nightfall.

The July 14th popular ball is one of the rare occasions in the year when the entire population comes together to celebrate. Social and generational diversity is complete: from grandparents remembering the balls of their youth to teenagers discovering the joy of dancing outdoors.

Fireworks from the Maurice-Baquet complex

At 11 PM, fireworks launched from the Maurice-Baquet sports complex light up the Gentilly sky. This pyromelodic show, visible from Parc Picasso and many elevated points in the town, is the climax of the evening. The proximity to Paris (whose towers and the Eiffel Tower are visible in the distance) gives these fireworks a unique urban setting.

A place between city and nature

Parc Picasso in Gentilly is a green space appreciated by residents for its playgrounds, lawns, and century-old trees. Located in the heart of the town, it is easily accessible on foot from most neighborhoods. The Maurice-Baquet complex, dedicated to the memory of the famous French cellist and actor who spent much of his life in Gentilly, houses stadiums and sports facilities used throughout the year.

Gentilly: a town with multiple faces

Gentilly is one of the most densely populated towns in France and the world. Despite its small area, it is home to a diverse and cosmopolitan population, a dynamic associative life, and several urban renewal projects. National Day is experienced here as a rare moment of cohesion, celebrating not only the Republic but also belonging to the vibrant community that is the town of Gentilly.