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Corso fleuri (floral floats)

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In Provence, some towns hold a floral parade called the “Corso Fleuri”, where decorated floats parade through the streets. Discover these very popular local festivals, which combine tradition and conviviality!

Corso Fleuri in Bormes-les-Mimosas

In the south of France, noble families used to drive their carriages down the main avenue on Sundays. Originating in the 17th century, this tradition disappeared during the Revolution. The custom was revived at the beginning of the 20th century for carnival parades.

After WWI, the people of Bormes-les-Mimosas decided to honour the mimosa that blossomed in the surrounding hills at the end of winter. The carts are decorated with flowers and drive through the village, offering a festive and convivial moment for the whole population.

The Corso Fleuri is held every year at the end of February and attracts large numbers of visitors. The floats are decorated with an average of 10,000 to 15,000 flowers. There’s plenty to see and do on the Saturday, with a craft market and entertainment. Spectators can watch the parade on Sunday, then take part in a flower battle and leave with a bouquet as a souvenir.

The Digne-les-Bains Lavender Corso

Since 1929, Digne-les-Bains has celebrated the end of the lavender harvest, the emblematic flower of Haute-Provence and a major source of income for local growers. The event made a comeback in the aftermath of the Second World War, and has now been running for several decades. The festivities take place over several days at the end of July and beginning of August. Float parades, fireworks, funfairs, parades, dances and concerts take place throughout the year.

Access is free for all. Every year, the event attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to watch the daytime and night-time parades, the two fireworks displays, the funfair and the international parade. On the first evening, the parade opens with music, followed by fireworks and a grand ball in the Place Général de Gaulle. Saturday is devoted to the grand parade of folk groups from all over the world (Sweden, France, Russia).

The Lavender Corso is one of the highlights of Digne-les-Bains’ cultural and tourist calendar.

The Valréas Lavender Corso

Lavender has been grown for centuries in the Enclave des Papes region, alongside vineyards and orchards in the former Comtat Venaissin. The town of Valréas also celebrates this emblematic flower with several days of festivities. The Valréas Lavender Corso features several parades of floral floats, concerts, a fair, an antique market and a funfair.

This event takes place on the first weekend in August, and is an annual treat for locals and tourists alike.

Contact the Valréas Festival Committee for details of the programme for next year’s event.

The Cavalaire-sur-Mer Corso of Lights

The town of Cavalaire-sur-Mer has also adopted the tradition of the corso, with a parade of illuminated floats. In February, spectators can take part in the various events organised throughout the weekend.

The evening parade is the high point of the Corso des Lumières, with several illuminated floats passing through the streets and performances by street artists, strolling to lively rhythms.

This carnival takes place in a friendly, family atmosphere, with parades, music and concerts.

Contact the Cavalaire-sur-Mer tourist office for details of the programme for the next edition.

The must-see Nice Carnival

Known the world over, the Nice Carnival is one of the most famous in Europe. Every year in February, a huge carnival parade is held. Delighted spectators can watch the parade of floats, marvel at the entertainment and dances, and enjoy watching the big-headed characters evolve. The carnival parade offers a festive and convivial interlude, immersing you in an imaginary and magical world. In the evening, from 8.30pm onwards, the floats light up for a parade of visual extravaganzas.

You can also take part in the flower battles, where characters on floats decorated with flowers throw a shower of flowers at the spectators.

You can find all the information and the programme for the next edition on the official Nice Carnival website: https://www.nicecarnaval.com/.

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