Get ready, florists and plant lovers! The highly anticipated second edition of Le Printemps Palladien is set to take root on May 31, June 1, and June 2, 2025, at the stunning Villa Palladienne in Syam, nestled in the picturesque French Jura Valley near the Swiss border. If you’re looking for a fresh take on floral artistry combined with history, community, and creativity, this is the festival to mark on your calendar. And this is all you need to know before you register your participation and plan your trip.
Le Printemps Palladien in a Setting Like No Other
The Villa Palladienne is more than just the backdrop for this festival; it’s a historical gem that brings an extra layer of charm to the event. This Napoleonic-style Italian villa, with its expansive 13-hectare English park, offers a serene and inspiring environment. From the meticulously maintained gardens to the rustic charm of its Fer à Cheval dependencies, every corner of the estate is steeped in history and character. For attendees, it’s not just about the flowers—it’s about experiencing a slice of French heritage intertwined with nature’s beauty.
And when a celebrity floral designer and blogger like Gaétan Jacquet from BotaBota and his team of outstanding florists organize an event, you can rest assured that flowers will be at every focal point of the festival in the enchanting setting of the mansion. So, what can you expect as a visitor?
1. A Floral Wonderland
Prepare to be enchanted by grand floral installations that blend seamlessly with the Villa’s architecture. These striking creations, crafted by a dedicated team of volunteers, students, and professional florists, transform the estate into a celebration of floral artistry. Whether your taste leans toward contemporary designs or classic displays, there’s something for everyone to marvel at.
For plant enthusiasts, the rare plant market is a highlight not to be missed. Here, specialized vendors showcase unique varieties and provide expert advice, making it a haven for gardeners and collectors. Add to that the artisan market, where local craftspeople demonstrate their skills in basket weaving, pottery, and woodworking, and you’ve got a vibrant marketplace buzzing with inspiration.
2. The Palladium Flower Cup
This signature event draws some of the best floral talents in the country. Contestants will compete in a series of creative challenges, pushing the boundaries of design and technique. It’s a platform that not only celebrates the skill and dedication of florists but also inspires onlookers with the limitless possibilities of floral art. The competition’s jury will honor the most exceptional creations, while the owners of the Villa Palladienne will present a special prize that acknowledges aesthetic excellence and commitment to the craft.
3. Unique Performances
Adding a dynamic twist to the festival, the equestrian and floral spectacle is a must-see event. Set against the breathtaking terrace of the Villa, this performance weaves together the elegance of horses, the beauty of floral arrangements, and the magic of music. Whether you’re a professional in the floral industry or simply an admirer of artistry in all its forms, this unique showcase is sure to leave a lasting impression.
4. Gourmet Experiences
No festival is complete without exceptional food and drink, and Le Printemps Palladien delivers on all fronts. Visitors can savor regional culinary delights at various refreshment points spread across the estate. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a light snack paired with a glass of wine, the festival’s gastronomic offerings promise to be as memorable as the floral displays.
More Than Just a Festival
Le Printemps Palladien is more than a celebration of flowers; it’s a platform for fostering connections, promoting sustainability, and inspiring creativity.
Eco-responsibility is at the heart of this event. From chemical-free maintenance of the grounds to green transport solutions for volunteers and materials, the festival’s organizers are committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. Even the parking areas—grassy fields that revert to meadows post-event—reflect this dedication to preserving the natural environment.
For those intrigued by the world of floral design, the festival offers a unique opportunity to dive deeper. Workshops, live demonstrations, and interactions with industry professionals provide invaluable insights into this artistic and rewarding career. Whether you’re a seasoned florist, someone considering a career change, or simply a curious visitor, these activities highlight the passion and skill that drive the floristry profession.
A Catalyst for Community and Industry Growth
With 6,500 visitors in its previous edition, Le Printemps Palladien has proven to be a significant driver of local economic activity. The influx of tourists provides a boost to nearby businesses, from hotels and restaurants to artisanal shops. This year, the organizers aim to amplify that impact by attracting an even larger audience and showcasing more regional talents.
For professionals in the floral and horticultural sectors, the festival is a hub for networking and collaboration. Producers, suppliers, and distributors come together to share innovations, discuss trends, and forge partnerships. It’s a unique opportunity to explore new ideas and strengthen ties within the community.
Organizer Gaétan Jacquet
The organizer and great driving force of Le Printemps Palladien is the renowned French floral designer Gaétan Jacquet. He says:
"Le Printemps Palladien is not just an event; it's a testament to the timeless beauty of flora and the passionate individuals who keep this art form alive. We aim to establish a lasting event that will attract large audiences of floral professionals and everyone who enjoys the splendor of flowers, plants, and greenery.
It's an ambitious event, so we are happy to be backed by financial and material support from two associations, the Collège Floral de France and the Association of the Palladian Villa. Passionate volunteers manage the organizational aspects, ensuring seamless integration of external contributors. Any profits will fuel future editions and other innovative projects."
Be a Part of Le Printemps Palladien
Last year's first edition has proved it: Le Printemps Palladien is an excellent and unique opportunity to showcase horticultural products from breeders and growers. Florists always crave novelties and want to be surprised by innovative and inspiring flowers and plants. So, if you are a breeder or grower who wants to connect to a broad audience of floral designers, this is your podium. The participants and visitors to the event will not only be able to see your products on a wonderful display but also design with them, getting to know its benefits first-hand.
The magic of Le Printemps Palladien lies in its ability to bring people together—from seasoned florists to curious newcomers—to celebrate the beauty and possibilities of the floral world. This year’s 2nd edition again will show a vibrant tapestry of artistry, heritage, and sustainability. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event. Visit the festival’s official website here for tickets, schedules, and more information. Let Le Printemps Palladien inspire your next floral adventure and reaffirm the beauty of connecting with nature and community.
Get in touch with Gaétan Jacquet or any member of the organizing team:
Website: https://printemps-palladien.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_printemps_palladien_syam/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fetedesplantes.jura
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@printemps.palladien
Instagram Gaétan: https://www.instagram.com/gaetan_jacquet/
Facebook Gaétan: https://www.facebook.com/gaetan.jacquet.353
Pinterest Gaétan: https://www.pinterest.fr/gaetanjacquet/
YouTube Gaétan: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK2XmjHPflDi9IC9PSVyXbA
About the Villa
Stepping into the grounds, one is immediately transported to an architectural masterpiece. An Italian-style villa, inspired by the genius of architect Andrea Palladio, stands prominently. Nestled within a vast wooded park, this gem is juxtaposed against magnificent stables.
This grandeur was realized primarily because of the vision and ambition of one man: Jean-Emmanuel Jobez. A prime exemplification of societal progression during the First Empire, his rise from a simple Jura industrialist to an affluent dignitary was catalyzed significantly by the various Napoleonic campaigns. The Jobez family, with their ingenious strategies and adaptability, truly encapsulated the spirit of Jura. Notable personalities, including Chopin playing the rotunda's piano and George Sand engaging in intense discourse with the villa's owner, have graced this residence.
Fast-forward to 2001. The villa, though distanced from its Venetian counterpart, boasted impeccable preservation, thanks to unparalleled engineering feats. Beneath layers of dust and fatigue, impressive wallpapers and parquet floors survived, preserved by an innovative Roman heating system. As its doors swung open, beams of sunlight revealed a unique bond formed between Brigitte Canard, Claude Darbon, and the villa. With unwavering dedication, the trio revived the villa's charm, from its porcelain to the vast library. It was poised to once again host grand festivities.
By 2024, the villa radiated rejuvenated splendor. An Italian aura enveloped the Jura region once more. The villa, a jewel set against the backdrop of a verdant park with age-old trees, seemed to be embroidered with nature's intricate laces. The park underwent a magical transformation, bursting with myriad flowers and plants, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in its legacy.
Thus, Le Printemps Palladien was born.
Emerging from collective aspirations, this unparalleled event blossomed. Its core principles were clear:
Showcase the world's floral artistry and horticultural treasures, celebrate the unmatched craftsmanship in botany, introduce attendees to the architectural gem that is the villa, highlight artisanal excellence, and bridge the gap between floral production and consumption.
The grounds were adorned with grand floral arrangements, infusing the park, structures, and outbuildings with cohesive beauty. These designs ranged from classical and historical to modern and contemporary, each paying homage to renowned names and eminent floral production houses. Each arrangement accentuated a specific flower. Young French florists competed to display their prowess in elevating the beauty of plants. Both amateur and professional visitors could meander through the park's pathways, seeking their next botanical masterpiece before enjoying delicacies from renowned chefs. Just a stone's throw from Switzerland, this green haven was now a sanctuary for the floral world.
Photos by Marion T. Photographe.
