Journées de la Rose
International floral art competition in the troglodytic arenas of Doué-en-Anjou
About Journées de la Rose
The Rose Capital Celebrates Its Emblematic Flower
Since 1959, the Journées de la Rose in Doué-en-Anjou (formerly Doué-la-Fontaine) have been one of the most prestigious horticultural events in France. Born from the desire to promote the expertise of the rose growers of this town in Maine-et-Loire, which has become a major center for rose production over the centuries, this event has established itself as an unmissable rendezvous for lovers of gardens and floral art.
An Exceptional Troglodytic Setting
The event takes place in the Arènes de Doué-en-Anjou, a unique troglodytic site classified as heritage. These underground cavities dug into the falun offer a spectacular setting for floral compositions. For four days in July, the arenas are transformed into a true underground garden where over 100,000 cut roses are exhibited in grandiose displays.
An International Floral Art Competition
Since 1990, the Journées de la Rose have hosted an international floral art competition that brings together competitors from about a dozen countries (Belgium, Spain, Japan, Italy, Netherlands, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine, Croatia, Slovakia, France). Each edition is dedicated to a different theme: in 2024, "The Rose and the Olympic Games"; in 2025, "The Rose and Comics"; in 2026, "The Rose and Childhood". International florists create monumental compositions that compete in creativity and virtuosity.
A Popular and Unifying Event
Beyond the competition, the Journées de la Rose offer a rich program: "best garden rose" competition, floral arrangement workshops, cultivation advice, exhibitions, and entertainment for the whole family. The event, organized by the Comité de la Rose, attracts thousands of visitors each year to discover this exceptional floral heritage in an unparalleled troglodytic setting.
Journées de la Rose — edition 2026
The 65th edition of the Journées de la Rose will be held from July 11 to 14, 2026, in the troglodytic arenas of Doué-en-Anjou, on the theme "The Rose and Childhood". International floral art competition, rose exhibition, entertainment, and conferences, open daily from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
65th Journées de la Rose: "The Rose and Childhood"
The 65th edition of the Journées de la Rose will be held from July 11 to 14, 2026 in the troglodytic arenas of Doué-en-Anjou. The chosen theme for this edition is "The Rose and Childhood". Open from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
Programme Journées de la Rose 2026
International Floral Art Competition — "The Rose and Childhood"
A dozen floral art schools from Belgium, Spain, Latvia, Ukraine, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Estonia, Slovakia, Croatia, and France compete for inspiration. Each creation is composed of 1,000 natural roses. The works are judged by an expert jury and submitted to public vote.
Entertainment and New Features 2026
- Saturday, July 11: guinguette evening
- Sunday, July 12: French song competition for all ages
- Monday, July 13: special children's afternoon
Throughout the Festival
- Competition for the most beautiful garden rose, chosen by the public from a selection of exhibited varieties
- Conferences by rose growers at 10 AM and 3 PM
- Musical atmosphere provided by Les 4 Ducs at 12 PM, 2 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:45 PM
- Rose bush maintenance demonstrations and floral decoration workshops
- Daily signing sessions with Laurent Cagniat, president of the Journées de la Rose and cartoonist of the Smurfs
Hours
Open daily from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM (ticket office closes at 7:00 PM).
Highlights Journées de la Rose 2026
- Theme: "The Rose and Childhood"
- International floral art competition
- Troglodytic arenas of Doué-en-Anjou
Prices Journées de la Rose 2026
Practical information — Journées de la Rose
Practical Information
Access
The Journées de la Rose take place at the Arènes de Doué-en-Anjou, Rue des Arènes, 49700 Doué-en-Anjou (Doué-la-Fontaine), in Maine-et-Loire.
- By car: From Angers (40 km), take the D761 towards Doué-la-Fontaine. From Saumur (18 km), follow the D960.
- By train: Saumur station, then bus or taxi connection.
Opening Hours
Open from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM during the four days of the event.
Ticketing
Tickets available on-site and for pre-sale online.
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Where does it take place — Journées de la Rose
Arènes de Doué-en-Anjou
Rue des Arènes, 49700 Doué-en-Anjou