Dordogne towns and villages in flower!

There is a sign on the side of the road that often goes unseen whilst driving into or out of our Dordogne towns and villages.  It isn’t a common traffic sign but it is rather a flowery sign indicating the number of flowers (if any) awarded to the town: « Villes et Villages Fleuris ».

This label is not specific to our Dordogne region.  It is in fact a national award that began in 1959 in view to preserve and improve the natural environment of our towns and villages throughout.  The awards are attributed in numbers of flowers and placed on signs at the entrance of the towns and they are updated/judged accordingly each year.

To date and in Dordogne-Périgord alone, 19 towns and villages have been awarded for their efforts in protecting and developing their green areas, public parks and in keeping their city centres in bloom with flower arrangements.  The following towns and villages of Dordogne - Périgord have received: one flower for Jumilhac le Grand, Montpon Menesterol and  Sainte Alvère, two flowers for Hautefort, Lalinde, Trélissac and Villefranche du Périgord, three flowers for Lanouaille and Sarlat la Canéda and the ultimate award with four flowers for Périgueux and Bergerac – among others.

Beside the aesthetic point, this on-going project offers a better quality of life to inhabitants and visitors thanks to a dedicated focus and careful maintenance of landscaped public parks in participating Dordogne towns and villages.

You can also be part of it so go on, think garden and flowers in your property, town or village in Dordogne …. simply for the pleasure of gardening or perhaps to win a flower on the sign at the entrance of your town!