Montmorency Christmas Market

Montmorency, Rousseau's City Under the Christmas Stars

Montmorency is one of the most historically rich communes in the Val-d'Oise. Once the seat of the powerful Dukes of Montmorency, it houses a magnificent Flamboyant Gothic Saint-Martin Cathedral, whose flying buttresses and sculptures make it a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The town is also inseparable from the figure of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who lived there and wrote several of his major works between 1756 and 1762. In December, this city of art and history adorns itself with its finest ornaments to host its Christmas market, which has become a must-see event in the region in just a few years.

The Market at the Parc de la Mairie

The Montmorency Christmas market is held annually at the Parc de la Mairie, avenue Foch, a green and elegant setting just a stone's throw from the historic center. The wooden chalets offer a carefully selected range of artisanal creations and gourmet products: designer jewelry, pottery and ceramics, decorative items, candles and ambient scents, as well as Montmorency cherry jams—the local specialty par excellence—artisanal liqueurs, Vexin honey, and fine chocolates. The gourmet stalls also offer traditional spiced mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and crispy waffles to warm up winter strollers in the Advent atmosphere.

The Free Natural Ice Rink

One of the most original and anticipated attractions of the Montmorency Christmas market is the opening of a free natural ice rink in the Parc de la Mairie. Accessible to all without prior reservation, this rink welcomes skaters of all levels in a rare setting of trees and illuminations. The ice rink remains open well beyond the market weekend, until January 4th of the following year, allowing families to enjoy this winter activity throughout the school holidays. A simple and free joy, especially precious in a context where family leisure activities are often expensive.

The Friday Evening Inauguration

A well-established tradition in Montmorency, the Christmas market is inaugurated on Friday evening, starting at 6:30 PM, with a lighting ceremony that officially kicks off the festivities. This inaugural event, attended by elected officials, associations, and residents, creates a strong moment of collective conviviality and symbolically marks the town's entry into the Christmas spirit. The market then opens on Friday from 4 PM to 9 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM, offering three full days of festivities.

Montmorency and its Cherries

Montmorency cherries, slightly tart, are one of the most emblematic gastronomic specialties of the Val-d'Oise. These sour cherries, cultivated since the Middle Ages in the orchards of the Montmorency Valley, have given their name to an internationally recognized variety. Although the harvest takes place in June, the Christmas market is an opportunity to find all the transformed versions of this specialty: sour cherry jams, cherries in brandy, artisanal liqueurs, and cherry cakes prepared by local producers and associations.

Practical Information

By public transport: Bus from La Barre-Ormesson station (line H) or from Enghien-les-Bains. Transdev Val-d'Oise bus network.

By car: D909 from Enghien-les-Bains, D44 from Sarcelles or Taverny. Parking available on avenue Foch.

Free admission to the market, entertainment, and ice rink (skate rental applies).