Vide-Greniers of Montgeron

Montgeron and the Tour de France: a world-famous story

Montgeron is an Essonne (91) commune of around 24,000 inhabitants, served by RER D, at the junction of Essonne and Seine-et-Marne. Though little known to the general public, it enjoys worldwide fame in cycling: it was in Montgeron, at the Cour du Réveil-Matin, that the first Tour de France set off on 1 July 1903.

Organised by the newspaper L'Auto under Henri Desgrange, this founding event sent riders from Montgeron to Lyon on the first leg of a 2,428-km, six-stage race. Maurice Garin won. Today, Montgeron cherishes this heritage: a commemorative plaque, street names, archives and a local identity steeped in cycling history.

A lively associative scene around cycling heritage

The town regularly celebrates its Tour de France connection, and the Cour du Réveil-Matin remains a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide. The Comité des fêtes de Montgeron is one of the most active organisers of local events, including the annual Vide-Greniers.

Vide-Greniers: a popular event open from 5am

The Montgeron Vide-Greniers, held in early summer in the town centre, opens at the unusually early hour of 5am, delighting early-bird bargain hunters. Private sellers, catering, refreshments and on-site toilets. Free entry. This combination makes it one of the most popular flea markets in eastern Essonne and the Sénart area.

Montgeron in the Sénart area

Montgeron is in the first eastern ring of Paris suburbs in Essonne, neighbouring Yerres, Crosne, Brunoy and Draveil. RER D connects it to Paris Gare de Lyon in under 40 minutes. The nearby Forêt de Sénart, one of Île-de-France's largest forests at 3,000 hectares of oak and beech, provides a green lung just minutes from the town centre.

Practical info

Venue: Montgeron town centre (91230).

Hours: From 5am.

Organiser: Comité des fêtes de Montgeron.

Entry: Free for visitors.

Access: RER D, Montgeron-Crosne station.