Villes et Villages Fleuris

MOFFANS-ET-VACHERESSE

CASTILLON

BLACKCURRANT

BOURG-LA-REINE

VALENCIENNES

Moffans is a village that was likely founded in the 17th century, during the era of large-scale land clearing, and stretches out around its imposing church, built of local pink sandstone.

Visitors can admire numerous buildings constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries: farmhouses, the town hall, washhouses, and mills. Moffans and Vacheresse—a hamlet that was incorporated in 1923—is an oasis of freshness and tranquility in the heart of a 680-hectare forest: there is no shortage of opportunities for walks along the hiking trails. Moffans is also a stop on the Franche-Comté Route des Villages Fleuris.

Oppède, a village where life is good

More than just a promise—a reality built step by step

“Oppède, a great place to live”: this is not just a slogan; it is a source of pride that has been upheld for more than 25 years and consistently promoted with the highest standards over the past five years. This ambition is brought to life through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy that informs all of our municipal decisions.

Here, quality of life and environmental conservation are not at odds with tourism, economic development, or community engagement. Rather, they form the foundation for these efforts.

From the renovation of public buildings (schools, municipal guesthouses, stadiums, grocery stores), the cobblestone streets, and the ramparts of Old Oppède, … to the maintenance of green spaces all the way to the Ste Cécile terraces, from the creation of the bike path and the St. Augustin ford to the development of the new business park at Le Tourail, … every initiative aims to enhance the harmony of our living environment and preserve the spirit and identity of Oppède.

That is why we have chosen to make theVilles et Villages Fleuris label much more than just a decoration: it is a tool to unite, organize, and promote a comprehensive initiative. Through a cross-cutting approach—environmental, cultural, social, and economic—Oppède is establishing itself as a village firmly focused on the future. It is with this philosophy that we will present our application and our village to the regional jury on June 23.

Our village is beautiful, of course. But above all, it’s vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable. That’s what makes Oppède such a great place to live. Yesterday, today… and for a long time to come.

Nestled in a natural setting where pine forests, ochre- and white-colored rocks, and vineyards—both on the plains and on terraced slopes—stretch all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, Cassis is protected by two natural landmarks: Cap Canaille (Europe’s highest sea cliff), which glows red in mistral winds, and the white limestone Calanques.

As part of the Calanques National Park, the municipality manages and develops its spaces, drawing inspiration from this exceptional natural environment.

Proud of its fourth flower, the town of Cassis hopes to continue this initiative and build on it to make this unique region even more beautiful.

Cassis: A Way of Life!

Located just outside Paris, Bourg-la-Reine is a town where respect for nature and biodiversity is essential.

A "Ville Fleurie" since 1999, the town now holds the "3 Fleurs" designation.

Green Spaces

Perfect for relaxation and walks, the city’s 4.5 hectares of green spaces offer a bucolic and restful setting for residents and visitors alike who wish to recharge, observe nature, or simply take a stroll.

The municipality is also taking action to promote biodiversity. After achieving the national “zero pesticides” goal in public spaces in 2013, it has now been recognized as a “Healthy Land, Pesticide-Free Municipality” by the Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition. Numerous concrete initiatives support this effort, including birdhouses, beehives, aquaponics, and more.

Non-motorized transportation

The city also supports the development of sustainable modes of transportation.

Bicycles: expansion of bike lanes, installation of two Vélib stations, installation of signage, subsidies for the purchase of electric bicycles, and regular organization of bike repair workshops and urban outings on rollerblades or bicycles.

Electric cars: Charging stations have been installed in the town, and specific parking spaces are reserved for these vehicles.

Digital

The town’s commitment also extends to the digital realm. Bourg-la-Reine has earned three “@” symbols under the Ville Internet label, including the green “@,” which symbolizes the “Ecological Transition” special distinction awarded to digital initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental footprint.

A commercial and industrial city at its core, Valenciennes has always placed great importance on the arts and artists, thanks to which its influence now extends far beyond its borders. A good quality of life means ensuring the daily maintenance and enhancement of public spaces, where all users and visitors can experience a sense of “good living and well-being.”

In 2019, the National Council of Villes et Villages Fleuris the city of Valenciennes’ fourth flower and awarded it the “Special Prize for the Enhancement of Greenery in Public Spaces.”

En 2023, Valenciennes obtient la Fleur d’Or

En 2026, Le prix du patrimoine végétal

Making the Quality of Life a Collective Commitment

For more than 65 years, the Villes et Villages Fleuris certification has supported and recognized communities committed to creating a more pleasant, sustainable, and attractive living environment.

It promotes a comprehensive approach to the living environment: the role of greenery in public spaces, the preservation of biodiversity and resources, the quality of urban design, the enhancement of cultural heritage, resident engagement, and the city’s appeal to tourists.

For residents and visitors alike, the label serves as a mark of quality. It highlights municipalities that are committed to protecting their environment, their landscapes, and the quality of their living spaces.

For local communities, it serves as a dynamic and practical tool—both a methodology and a catalyst for progress—and is designed for the long term. It supports a path of continuous improvement, from 1 to 4 Flowers, while highlighting the identity and unique characteristics of each region.

Supported by the National Council of Villes et Villages Fleuris driven by a network of nearly 2,000 local experts, the certification program now brings together more than 4,700 municipalities around a shared goal: to make the living environment a driving force behind environmental and regional transitions.