Floralies Internationales

The Floralies Internationales: the world's plant gathering in Nantes

Since 1956, the Floralies Internationales have been among the most prestigious horticultural events in the world. Organized every five years in Nantes by the Comité des Floralies, they celebrate plant diversity and floral art through spectacular creations by passionate professionals and amateurs from around the globe.

A history rooted in Nantes' horticultural tradition

The history of the Floralies dates back to the Société nantaise d'horticulture, founded in 1828, which already organized floral exhibitions at the Champ-de-Mars from 1945 onwards. The Comité des Floralies was officially established in 1943, bringing together associations and professional organizations from the plant world. The first edition of the Floralies Internationales was held in 1956 at the Champ-de-Mars hall, inaugurated by André Dulin, Secretary of State for Agriculture, under the presidency of Joseph Bouyer.

In 1971, the Floralies moved from the Champ-de-Mars to the Parc des Expositions de la Beaujoire, a landscaped area on the banks of the Erdre river, adjacent to the floral park. This site became the historic setting for the event for over forty years, offering an exceptional green space for floral creations.

A unique concept: large-scale floral art

Each edition of the Floralies brings together around 200 exhibitors — landscapers, horticulturists, florists, plant artists — from about twenty countries. Around a unifying theme renewed for each edition, they design monumental plant displays, ephemeral gardens, artistic floral compositions, and landscape installations that transform the exhibition space into a true wonderland. Visitors can discover exceptional botanical diversity, from the rarest varieties to the most spectacular species.

Thirteen editions, thirteen themes

Over the decades, each edition has explored a different theme, reflecting the concerns of its time:

• 1956: "Nantes, port of the West"
• 1963: 2nd edition at the Champ-de-Mars hall
• 1971: "Woman and the Flower" — first edition at the Beaujoire floral park
• 1977: "Flowers in the City"
• 1984: 5th edition
• 1989: "Europe in Bloom"
• 1994: "On the Water's Edge"
• 1999: "Symphony of Lights"
• 2004: "Flower of Adventure"
• 2009: "The Power of Flowers"
• 2014: "Bouquet of Arts"
• 2019: "Flowers to Live"
• 2024: "Flower Games"

International reach

Recognized by the AIPH (International Association of Horticultural Producers), the Floralies Internationales de Nantes is one of the few horticultural events of this scale in Europe. It is a powerful vehicle for promoting the horticultural sector, the expertise of plant professionals, and global botanical richness. Each edition generates considerable economic and tourist benefits for the Nantes region and the Pays de la Loire region.

Evolution and renewal

After twelve editions held at the Parc des Expositions de la Beaujoire in Nantes, the 13th edition in 2024 marked a turning point by moving to the Domaine de la Chabotterie in Saint-Sulpice-le-Verdon, Vendée, on the theme "Flower Games". This choice reflects the Comité des Floralies' desire to renew the event while maintaining its roots in the Grand Ouest region.