The story behind Combat Naval Fleuri
This event has been taking place in Villefranche-sur-Mer since 1902. It is inspired by the first carnival festivals on the Côte d’Azur.
The first battle of flowers in Nice took place on the Promenade des Anglais in 1876, and other cities on the coast developed similar local events to celebrate the coming of spring.
Villefranche-sur-Mer didn’t want to be left behind the other towns and decided to do it better and differently! With the sea and flowers as the natural elements and symbols of economic activity of the time, we were to witness for the very first time a battle of flowers on the waves of the Mediterranean.
In 2026, the Flower Sea Battle will be held on February 16th.
The flower-decorated pointus boats
Every year, many Villefranche families come with their pointus boats to perpetuate this more than century-old festival. The “fishermen” are dressed in traditional Provençal fishing attire and the boats will pass near the harbor quay during a spectacular, booming sea battle.
See image gallery and the program at the end of the article.
Pointus are small, old fishing boats that are now part of France’s cultural heritage, maintained with loving care and traditional know-how. They evoke happy childhood memories for some and flashbacks of memorable fishing trips for others.
Pointus boats are passed down from generation to generation as a reminder of a unique fishing culture. And although they are no longer used for their primary vocation, fishing, they have become a formidable tool to convey the soul of the Mediterranean.
Come to Villefranche-sur-Mer and experience the colorful decoration of the boats and creative decorations with carnations and mimosas, the natural flowers of the region.
Combat Naval Fleuri is the perfect opportunity to show Riviera residents and tourists these boats that are part of the Mediterranean heritage.
Image gallery from the Flower Sea Battle in Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
City of Villefranche-sur-Mer
Combat Naval Fleuri program
The day offers entertainment from 10 AM to 4 PM with folklore groups and a musical show around the citadel in Villefranche-sur-mer as well as a flower walk in the city.
The main program looks like this:
- 11:00 AM – Folklore activities – Place Amélie Pollonnais.
- 1:30 PM – Carnival parade on the quay – Port de la Santé.
- 2:00 PM – Sea battle begins and fishermen throw flowers at the spectators – Port de la Santé.
Villefranche-sur-Mer homepage (with Combat Naval Fleuri)
Access and parking
By train: SNCF station is located just 100 meters from the events.
By bus from Nice or Monaco. Check the Rome2Rio app for bus times and stops.
It is not advisable to arrive by car as parking is very limited on this day.
Finally, it is recommended that you hike along the coastal path from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer.
By Tommy Sverre – updated 2026
