The jury of the 2024 competition Towns and villages in bloom – quality of life rewarded 13 mayors of municipalities in Vaucluse with less than 500 to 10,000 inhabitants, for their actions on ecological transition, the fight against violent weather phenomena, and the erosion of biodiversity. Aware of environmental challengesmunicipalities work on a daily basis to improve the living environment of their citizens, in an approach of progress and preservation of resources.
Last Wednesday in the Brancas room of the Pernes-les-Fontaines Town Hall, Mayor Didier Carle welcomed Dominique Santoni, president of the Department of Vaucluse, the vice-president and president of Vaucluse Provence attractiveness (VPA) Pierre Gonzalvez and the director of the Council of Architecture, Urban Planning and the Environment (CAUE) Matthieu Lardière.
« The selection criteria for obtaining the Towns and Villages in Bloom label have widened considerably. They are no longer reduced to flowering alone, but take into account climatic, economic, social developments and tourist attractiveness of our towns and villages.”Dominique Santoni.
Towns and villages in bloom, a global policy
The competition is part of a set of renaturation of green spaces which takes into account the modification of ecosystems and societal transformations. With the priority given to Mediterranean flora, de-waterproofing of soils or energy sobrietyis added social cohesion and cultural interest. The restoration of architectural heritage and the installation of aesthetic street furniture encourage the sharing of the public domain.
These new boxes to be checked to obtain the label have led the Department, VPA and the Villes et Villages Fleuris association to create three special departmental prizes: Valorization of heritage; Preservation of the environment; Energy savings.
At the end of the ceremony, Marie-Pierre Julien, executive assistant at VPA, presented the new guide designed for Vaucluse as part of the competition. The book offers a wealth of advice and recommendations for furniture and landscaping.
The 13 municipalities awarded the “Flowering Towns and Villages” label
© F. Bernard – The elected officials of the 13 municipalities rewarded by the 2024 jury with the “Villes et villages fleurs” label delighted to receive the prize.
- Less than 500 inhabitants, 1is Le Beaucet price – 2e Aurel price
- 501 to 1 000 habitants, 1is price Come – 2e Saumane price
- 1 001 to 3 500 habitants, 1is Ansouis price – 2e Lagnes price – 3e Bonnieux price. Encouragement in La-Bastide-des-Jourdans and Saint-Didier
- 5 001 to 10 000 habitants, 1is prix Sarrians
Three Departmental Special Prizes
- Valorization of heritage in Pernes-les-Fontaines for the restoration of the Hôtel de Brancas.
- Environmental preservation in Orange for the Grenouillet park sports area.
- Energy sobriety in Pertuis for its “Black Frame” to reduce night-time public lighting.
