Quand nous chanterons, le temps des cerises… The chorus is back, and with it the star fruit of summer: the cherry, of course! Juicy, sweet and as red as a berry can get… cherries are a real hit with red fruit lovers. The proof is in the pudding, with many of them falling for Cyril Lignac’s famous cherry clafoutis recipe. But what if we pushed the envelope even further? This weekend, a huge popular celebration of cherries is taking place. It’s taking place in the Ile-de-France region, and after a 50-year absence, this Cherry Festival promises to be a memorable one!
After a 50-year absence, the Cherry Festival is back!
Also known as the Montmorency cherry, the “cerise de Montmorency” is particularly appreciated for its tangy taste. And that’s nothing new. In the 18th and 19th centuries, cherry and other fruit trees were cultivated in large numbers in this Val-d’Oise commune. The reputation of Montmorency cherries is such that it is rumoured that Parisians used to come “by donkey” to pick cherries in the town’s orchards. A craze that gave way to the first Fête des Cerises in the 1920s. In the ’30s and ’50s, the small village festival became a not-to-be-missed event…
This weekend, celebrate cherries in Ile-de-France
After 50 years without a celebration, the Fête des Cerises is back with a bang in Montmorency. A 2.0 version, combining local tradition and modernity. The event takes place this Saturday, June 14, in Place des cerisiers. And of course, the “gaudriole” will be king! On the program: cherry stalls, tastings of Montmorency liqueurs and cherry ice creams, and even an election for the best cherry cake. Other surprises include folk dances, donkey rides around town and an old-fashioned ballroom concert at La Guinguette à Roulettes .
The full Cherry Festival program:
Place des cerisiers :
- Exhibitors’ village: Cherry display, tasting and sale of Montmorency liqueur, artisanal cherry beer, accessories and jewelry, cherry ice cream, …
- Montmorency cherry cake election: Taste and vote on original (and anonymous) proposals from Montmorency bakers and patissiers, at the Montmorency Merchants Association stand.
- Caricaturist and silhouettist: Two artists sketch the portraits of local residents and take them home with them (3pm-6pm).
- Face-painting stand: Children’s leisure centers offer pretty drawings of cherries (3pm-7pm).
- La Guinche: La Guinguette à Roulettes is a modern-day concert-bal with costumes, decorations, lanterns, a dance floor and a popular party atmosphere! (6:30-10pm)
In the heart of town:
- Tour à dos d’ânes : Step back in time and embark on a tour of the city center on donkeys (3pm-7pm)
- La Bourrée de Paris: Wandering folk group with 6 pairs of dancers and live musicians (4pm-6pm)
- Exhibition on the history of the Montmorency cherry festival
- Treasure hunt proposed by the Municipal Youth Council (3pm-7pm)
Saturday June 14, 2025, 3pm to midnight – Place des cerisiers and in the heart of the town, 95 160 Montmorency