The 2026 Cherry Festival returns to Montmorency (95)!

Fruity news flash : Save the date: Saturday, June 13, 2026, when Montmorency, in Val-d’Oise (95), is set to delight your taste buds at the Cherry Festival. After more than half a century away (50 years without celebrating the local star, the Montmorency sour cherry), this legendary festival made a triumphant return in 2025, more delicious and lively than ever. And in 2026, it’s back again! 

Historically, people would flock from Paris “on donkey-back” to pick cherries in the blossoming orchards. The city, once the undisputed queen of red fruit in the 19th century, is now reviving the tradition with a day steeped in the convivial atmosphere of a village fête.

And did you know? This little tart cherry has been grown in the Montmorency region since the 17th century, with the harvest traditionally taking place from mid-June to mid-July. In the kitchen, it works well in jams, jellies and sweet dishes, as well as paired with meat and game.

Although the first Cherry Festival was held in the early 1920s before growing in scale between 1930 and 1950 and becoming a much-anticipated summer event, after the 1960s the Cherry Festival as it had existed fell into decline, and for decades no major cherry-themed celebration was held in the town. Until today!

The program for the 2026 edition has not yet been announced, but the festivities will run from 2 p.m. to midnight, spread across Place des Cerisiers, the town center, Place Levanneur, and the Demirleau parking lot.

• To be read
• What to do in the Val d'Oise (95)? Heritage, good addresses and activities, ideas for outings
• What to do with children in Val-d'Oise? Our favorite family outings in 95
• The best things to do in Paris and Île-de-France, November 2–8, 2026

A look back at the 2025 Cherry Festival:

CHERRY TREE SQUARE

• Exhibitors’ village: A display of cherries, tastings and sales of Montmorency cherry liqueur, craft cherry beer, accessories and jewellery, cherry ice cream, …
• Montmorency cherry cake contest: Taste and vote for your favourite among the original (and anonymous) creations by bakers and pastry chefs from Montmorency, at the Montmorency merchants’ association stand
• Caricaturist and silhouette artist _ (3–6 p.m.): Two artists sketch portraits of local residents, who get to take them home
• Face-painting stand _ (3–7 p.m.): The leisure centres offer children lovely cherry-themed designs
• La Guinche _ (6:30–10 p.m.): La Guinguette à Roulettes is a concert and old-fashioned dance with a modern twist, featuring costumes, decorations, lanterns, a dance floor and a festive, popular atmosphere!

IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

• Donkey rides _ (3–7 p.m.): Step back in time and enjoy a tour of the town center on donkey-back
• La Bourrée de Paris _ (4–6 p.m.): A strolling folk group featuring six pairs of dancers and live musicians
• Exhibition on the history of the cherry festival in Montmorency
• Treasure hunt (3–7 p.m.) organized by the Youth Municipal Council

PLACE LEVANNEUR

• Fashion show (6:30 p.m.) featuring original designs by By G

DOCTOR DEMIRLEAU PARKING LOT

• Exhibition and ride aboard the vintage cars of the Automobile Club de la Cerise

Montmorency has made the cherry a way of life, and you’re all invited to sink your teeth into it!