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IN BRIEF
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The Flowering Cities and Villages are municipalities that have decided to beautify their living environment by integrating biodiversity at the heart of their urban setting. This French label, which has existed for over 60 years, rewards efforts made to create flower-filled and pleasant public spaces. By investing in flowering, these communities show their commitment to an improved quality of life and undeniable tourist appeal. Let’s explore together these decorated municipalities that combine aesthetics and sustainability, and discover what makes their charm and originality.
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The ‘Flowering Cities and Villages’ are much more than just a floral wrapping of our municipalities. This label, which is the result of a deep commitment to the beautification of urban spaces, places flowering at the heart of local policies. In this article, we will dive into this colorful universe, discover what this label entails, the criteria that govern it, and the many benefits it provides to municipalities and their residents.
An excellence label #
The ‘Flowering Cities and Villages’ label is a French initiative dating back to 1959. Its objective? To reward municipalities that actively work to beautify their spaces through harmonious and environmentally responsible floral arrangements. Over the years, this distinction system has become a true symbol of quality of life, highlighting the efforts of local communities while contributing to a pleasant living environment for their residents.
Evaluation and selection criteria #
To obtain this label, municipalities must meet very specific criteria. Each year, expert juries evaluate applications based on several aspects, such as:
- Diversity of plantings: Municipalities must present a variety of flowers and plants that integrate harmoniously into their environment.
- Integration of flowering into urban planning: Flowers should not be added randomly but should dialogue with the existing urban landscape.
- Ecological management of green spaces: A commitment to sustainable practices is necessary, particularly the use of local plants and respect for ecosystems.
- Involvement of residents: Their participation in the maintenance of flowering spaces is essential, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within the community.
Municipalities can be awarded from 1 to 4 flowers, depending on their level of commitment, and a highly coveted prize, the Golden Flower trophy, rewards excellence in this field.
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A powerful tourist asset #
The ‘Flowering Cities and Villages’ label is not limited to beautification; it is also an asset for tourism. Indeed, a decorated municipality attracts more visitors, boosting the local economy. Events such as flower festivals, guided tours of gardens, and garden contests attract a diverse audience while raising awareness about environmental preservation.
An example of collective success #
This label is also an excellent example of collaboration between administrations, residents, and local stakeholders. Volunteer initiatives, gardening workshops, and educational projects are often set up to engage the community. Thus, every flower planted and every green space created becomes a reflection of the collective effort for a more pleasant living environment.
The current situation of Flowering Cities and Villages #
To date, more than 4,500 municipalities in France have received this label, and the trend continues to grow. Regions like Grand Est particularly stand out with an impressive number of labeled municipalities. These municipalities strive to maintain or enhance their distinction, demonstrating a constant desire for innovation and environmental preservation.
In summary, the ‘Flowering Cities and Villages’ embody the collective effort and dedication of French communities to offer a living environment enriched by nature while raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity in urban settings. It is a movement that is just beginning, promising to delight many more generations with its flowering landscapes and values of collective commitment.
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