Once again, the crowd gathered in large numbers in Villefranche to attend the famous flower-covered naval battle, despite the slightly gloomy weather.
If Nice has its carnival parade and Menton its lemon festival, Villefranche-sur-Mer has its flower-covered naval battle. As every year, dozens of pointus (traditional Provençal boats) compete in a parade of colors and joy.
Covered in multicolored flowers, the pointus and their Provençal fishermen (in period costume, mind you!) made their way through the Villefranche harbor, throwing flowers by the dozen as they passed.
In 2017, the pointus were in an American mood. Indeed, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last flagship of the US Navy’s 6th Fleet from the harbor. For more than 10 years, sailors and admirals lived in Villefranche-sur-Mer, with the harbor becoming one of their bases in the Mediterranean.
On the quays, hundreds of onlookers who gathered for the occasion tried to catch the passing flowers. Some formed bouquets, while others gladly exchanged their flowers for another they found prettier.
Presented by a host with a microphone, the dozens of pointus that took turns ensured a spectacle of colors and happiness for the many children who came to admire them.
Along the quays, several shops and folkloric groups were scattered to keep the atmosphere lively throughout the afternoon, despite the slightly cloudy weather which did not prevent the crowd from showing up in droves.
