In Seine-et-Marne, many towns and villages are holding ceremonies to mark November 11, 2026. Find out what’s happening near you on this public holiday.
It is a tradition rich in meaning and history that takes place every year in France on November 11: this day marks the armistice of World War I and is celebrated with commemorations throughout the country. These ceremonies, organized in towns and villages, pay tribute to the soldiers and victims of the war. Flower wreaths are laid in front of local war memorials, and speeches recount the stories of those who sacrificed themselves for France.
November 11 has been a public holiday since 1922: shortly after the end of the Great War, France wanted to create a "day of remembrance" to honor the dead and remind people that peace must be preserved.
In 2026, these commemorations take various forms, depending on the towns where they are held. Speeches, songs, a friendly get-together, and even a rugby match! This day brings citizens together around a shared history and sense of solidarity. In Seine-et-Marne, several towns are hosting events open to everyone throughout this national day. Find out what’s happening near you.
Commemorations on the agenda in Seine-et-Marne:
- Champs-sur-Marne
November 11 commemoration
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
10 a.m.: Memorial, Square du 8 mai 1945
10:45 a.m.: Reception, Jean Effel Hall, Allée Robert Israël
- Chelles
Commemoration of the November 11, 1918 armistice and tribute to all those who died for France
10 a.m.: Interfaith peace ceremony. Municipal Council Chamber
11 a.m.: Procession departs from the Esplanade de la Légion d'Honneur. The procession will follow this route: Rue Louis Éterlet, Avenue de la Résistance, Place Cala, through the park to the 1914–1918 memorial.
11:30 a.m.: Ceremony at the 1914–1918 memorial in the Parc du Souvenir - Émile Fouchard.
Reading by the Children's Municipal Council
Reading of the communiqué from the French Army General Headquarters
Reading of the message from the Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs
Address by Brice Rabaste, Mayor of Chelles
Tribute to those who died in the First World War and to all those who died for France and in all conflicts
Wreath-laying
Reception at City Hall. Featuring the Union musicale de Chelles, the La Chanteraine choir, flag bearers, veterans' associations and the 92nd North Fox Pipe band.
- Fontainebleau
November 11 ceremony
To mark the 108th anniversary of the Armistice, on November 11, the city of Fontainebleau invites you to its traditional memorial ceremony, which will be held at the War Memorial at 11 a.m.
Once again this year, students from Lycée François 1er, the Conservatory, the Philharmonic Orchestra and musicians from the Union Musicale de Fontainebleau will be honored to take part in this solemn occasion, with readings and performances of anthems, bugle calls and songs. Don't miss this moving ceremony, which will bring together nearly 100 musicians, choir members and flag bearers to pay tribute to all those who “Died for France.”
- Melun
108th anniversary of the November 11, 1918 Armistice
Commemoration of Victory and Peace, tribute to all those who died for France
11 a.m.: Quai Foch - 1914/1918 - 1939/1945 War Memorial
Raising of the Colors - Colors bugle call and National Anthem
Reading of the names of soldiers who died for France in 2026
Contributions from students at schools in Melun (readings and songs)
Address by Kadir MEBAREK, Mayor of Melun
Reading of the ministerial message by Pierre ORY, Prefect of Seine-et-Marne, or his representative
Wreath-laying
Last Post
National anthem sung by Melun schoolchildren
Musical performance
Procession to City Hall
12 p.m.: Reception in the City Hall reception rooms
- Pontault-Combault
Commemoration of November 11, 1918
On Wednesday, November 11, the City of Pontault-Combault will commemorate the November 11, 1918 Armistice.
At 10:30 a.m. at Place du Général Leclerc, followed by the military section of the cemetery
Free admission
- Thorigny
November 11, 2026
Commemoration of Victory and Peace, marking the anniversary of the November 11, 1918 armistice, and tribute to all those who died for France
10:30 a.m. - Old Cemetery: Flowers laid on the graves of veterans
11 a.m.: Procession
11:30 a.m. - City Hall forecourt: Speeches and flowers laid at the war memorial
12 p.m. - City Hall: “Women in the Great War” exhibition
Reception
- Torcy
Wednesday, November 11
12–12:30 p.m.: The mayor, Guillaume Le Lay-Felzine, and members of the municipal council invite you to the commemoration of Victory and Peace, the anniversary of the 1918 Armistice, and a tribute to all those who died for France.
The ceremony will be preceded by a moment of reflection at Torcy Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.
- Villeparisis
Wednesday, November 11
At the War Memorial, Place Henri Barbusse
- 11 a.m.: Welcome.
- 11:15 a.m.: Ceremony begins.
- 11:15 a.m.: “Song of the Partisans” begins, flag bearers stand at ease and a reading is announced.
- 11:20 a.m.: Address by young members of the Youth Municipal Council.
- 11:30 a.m.: Address by the representative of the veterans' and war victims' committee
- 11:35 a.m.: Address by the Mayor.
- 11:40 a.m.: Wreath-laying announced.
- 11:45 a.m.: Wreath-laying: Veterans' Association and committee. The constituency's member of parliament (subject to availability). The departmental council (subject to availability). Villeparisis Municipal Council.
- 11:55 a.m.: “To the fallen.” Minute of silence. “La Marseillaise” begins.
- 12 p.m.: Ceremony ends, followed by a reception.
And to round out your plans for the day, here are a few ideas for things to do on November 11, 2026.
What to do in Paris on November 11, 2026, a public holiday? Find out what’s open and closed, and get some ideas for outings.
This Wednesday, November 11, 2026, in Paris, we commemorate the 1918 Armistice. It’s a public holiday, giving us a chance to enjoy some great outings in Paris and Île-de-France. But what’s open, and what’s closed on this special day? We’re here to help—take your pick from these great ideas for things to do in Paris! [Read more]
What to do in Paris on November 11, 2026, a public holiday? Find out what’s open and closed, and get some ideas for outings.
