The 11th edition of the International Floralies of Nantes, one of Europe's most prestigious floral exhibitions, takes place from May 8 to 18, 2014, in the vibrant city of Nantes. Hosted along the banks of the Erdre River at the Parc des Expositions de la Beaujoire, this event features stunning ornamental designs crafted by professional and amateur horticulturists from around the world.
Adding excitement this year, the International Floralies embraces the theme "Bouquet of Arts," inspiring exhibitors to blend floral artistry with architecture, cinema, music, dance, and more.
For each edition, the Floralies Organizing Committee selects a unifying theme. This year's "Bouquet d'Arts" fuses traditional landscape and floral creations with diverse artistic disciplines. Held every five years since 1956, this renowned exhibition gathers top botanists and horticulturists from France and beyond, celebrated for their expertise.
Visitors will also enjoy displays from winners of the "Les Jardi'stiques" competition, where kindergarten and elementary school children design real or imaginary gardens through various artistic expressions. Expect delightful discoveries from these young gardeners!
Beyond uniting floral staging enthusiasts, the Floralies crafts immersive, ever-evolving atmospheres—past themes include Europe in Flowers, Symphony of Lights, and À Fleur d’Eau. New pathways, performances, and exhibits themed around publishing create a dreamlike escape.
Spanning indoors and outdoors across the vast Parc de la Beaujoire, over 45,000 m² transforms into sensory wonderlands of visuals and scents. Landscape architects, scenographers, and floral experts collaborate to surprise and delight every visitor.
While Nantes' Floralies stand as France's largest horticultural event, similar showcases worldwide celebrate themes, cultivation methods, or specific flowers like tulips and roses. The Rose Festival in Loches, for instance, highlights rose varieties, growing techniques, and display innovations.
Derived from the Latin floralia—ancient Roman festivals honoring Flora, goddess of gardens, flowers, and spring—these events elevate gardens as realms of art and culture, evolving from simple displays to innovative landscaped masterpieces.
Tickets for Floralies 2014 are available online in advance: €17 for adults, €7 for children under 18, and free for those under 6.
