During your stay in Nice this winter, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to festivities. The month of February is particularly lively, with the famous Nice Carnival, the Menton Lemon Festival, and a lesser-known but equally spectacular event: the Villefranche-sur-Mer Flower Show. Hotel Florence, ideally located in the heart of Nice and close to the train station, is the perfect base from which to enjoy these events.

Discover Combat Naval Fleuri and its complete program for 2024! We reveal all the details!

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What is Combat Naval Fleuri de Villefranche-sur-Mer?

This year, the famous Combat Naval Fleuri will be held on February 19, 2024 in the picturesque port of Villefranche-sur-Mer. This annual nautical event features the traditional "pointus", typical boats richly decorated with multicolored flowers such as mimosas and carnations. Fishermen also don the traditional Provencal fisherman's garb to take part in this spectacular naval battle in bloom along the river banks.

The origins of this event date back to 1902, a period when carnival festivities were developing on the Côte d'Azur. While other towns in the region were organizing street parades and flower battles, Villefranche-sur-Mer decided to set itself apart by associating its natural element, the sea, with the symbols of its economic activity: pointus and flowers. Thus was born the first flower battle on the waves of the Mediterranean, a tradition that continues to this day.

Combat Naval Fleuri © Ville de Villefranche-sur-Mer

Program for Combat Naval Fleuri in Villefranche-sur-Mer 2024

February 19, 2024:

11am: Parade of folk groups at the Octroi.
1:30pm: Carnival parade along the quays - Port de la Santé.
2:00 pm: Combat Naval Fleuri and flower battle on the water. The boatmen, aboard their pointus boats richly decorated with flowers, will throw wreaths of flowers in the direction of the spectators - Port de la Santé.
2:00 pm: Folk entertainment - Place Amélie Pollonnais.

Flower walks and games with prizes to be won all day long. Entry forms are available from the Villefranche-sur-Mer Tourist Office and the Town Hall.

Official poster of the Combat Naval Fleuri 2024

How do I get to Combat Naval Fleuri in Villefranche-sur-Mer?

During these events, Villefranche-sur-Mer can quickly become overcrowded, as the small seaside resort is ill-suited to a massive influx of vehicles. If you want to avoid traffic jams and the difficulty of finding a parking space, we strongly recommend that you travel by train or bus. Fortunately, the SNCF train station is just a 5-minute walk from Hôtel Florence. By taking just 2 train stops, you'll already be on site, without the hassle and stress of traffic.

For the more courageous, you can opt for a bike ride from your eco-friendly Hotel Florence, which will take you around 35 minutes. It's a fun, eco-friendly way to get around, but be warned: it's uphill!

I BOOK MY STAY AT HOTEL FLORENCE

Winter on the Côte d'Azur offers a multitude of discoveries, and Combat Naval Fleuri adds to its appeal! Between carnival festivities, tasting local cuisine, visiting parks and monuments, or strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, you'll be spoilt for choice during your stay in Nice. Hôtel Florence will be happy to provide you with any additional information you may require to help you organize your vacation in this magnificent city.