Spring in the Principality just got a whole lot more fragrant. The 56th Concours International de Bouquets, Monaco’s long-standing tribute to the fine art of floral arrangement, is back — bigger, brighter, and more international than ever. This year’s theme, “Fleurs en mouvement” (Flowers in Motion), speaks not just to petal-powered creativity but to the Garden Club de Monaco’s ambitious drive to blend beauty with environmental awareness.
Under the high patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and the presidency of H.R.H. Princess of Hanover, the event is fast becoming more than a floral competition — it’s turning into a platform for eco-conscious artistry and public engagement. Vice-president Cecilia Casiraghi, with her trademark energy, is leading the charge, staying true to the club’s mission of elevating floral design while widening its scope to sustainability, biodiversity, and responsible enjoyment of nature’s bounty.
This year’s edition doesn’t just showcase stunning bouquets. On Sunday, May 11, the Garden Club is hosting a series of free public talks at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco, diving deep into the botanical world. Murielle Iris (Les Sauvages) will reveal the secrets behind orange blossom water, tracing its journey from Côte d’Azur’s citrus groves to fragrant distillates, with a nod to its historical medicinal use. Diane Ortolani, Director of Monaco’s Exotic Garden, will explain the evolution of botanical gardens and share future plans for this local gem. Armando Spajani, olive oil expert, will walk guests through the olive tree’s timeless tale, from ancient roots to modern-day sustainability icon. Rounding out the programme is a live floral arrangement demo by Kevin Billard of Maison Fiori (and formerly of the Prince’s Palace), promising a dazzling display of floral flair from 15:00 to 16:30.
New this year is “Monaco en Fleurs,” a citywide window display competition turning shopfronts across the Principality into floral fantasies from Monday, May 5 to Sunday, May 11. Inspired by the UK’s National Gardening Week, the initiative invites local businesses to dress their windows in bloom-filled beauty, inviting residents and tourists alike to rediscover nature in the heart of the city. A jury from the Garden Club will judge the displays, with winners awarded by Princess Caroline herself at the prize ceremony on Saturday, May 10.
The heart of the festival, of course, is the bouquet competition. Open to everyone from professional florists and decorators to enthusiastic amateurs — and a special category for children aged 6–14 — the contest features seven creative classes, including: Feux d’artifice multicolores (Large-scale, multicoloured explosions), Le bal de la rose (Table décor fit for a royal ball), Tourbillons pastel (Pastel swirls on pedestals), Volutes en camaïeu (Subtle-toned floral niches), Coup de vent dans le jardin (Wind-swept garden installations), Ronde de fleurs et feuilles (Wall-mounted floral rounds), and Farandole de fleurs, fruits et légumes (Whimsical kids’ entries).
Entries are open until Wednesday, April 30 — but with spots going fast, budding florists should act quickly. Winning entries will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze honours, as well as the coveted Grand Prix Général and the Prix Princesse Grace de Monaco. A Jury Spécial, chaired by the Princess of Hanover and composed of figures from the literary and artistic worlds, will also present special awards.
Public viewings of the stunning entries will take place on 10 May (6:00–19:30) and 11 May (9:30–18:00). Admission is free
