Buying flowers or fleurs as a gift from shops is a lovely way to show a French person you care. However, knowing a few French words for flowers is a way to show them you are making an extra bit of effort. France is well known for many things – its cuisine, its wine, its art, and its fashion. However, one aspect of French culture that is often overlooked is its love for flowers. You see, the French have a deep appreciation for flowers and have incorporated them into many aspects of their daily lives. Let’s get to know more about that in this guide.
The Role Of Les Fleurs In French Culture
Flowers play an important role in French culture, and this is evident in the many traditions and celebrations where flowers are prominently featured. For example, on May 1st, the French celebrate “La Fête du Muguet,” or Lily of the Valley Day. On this day, people give small bouquets of muguet (lilies of the valley) to their loved ones as a symbol of their good fortune, luck, and happiness. The tradition goes all the way back to the reign of King Charles IX, who was given one as a gift in 1561.
Weddings And Funerals
Flowers also play a significant role in French weddings. The bride typically carries a bouquet of flowers down the aisle, and flower arrangements are used to decorate the ceremony and reception venues. French floral designers are renowned for their creativity and artistry, and their arrangements are often breathtakingly beautiful. Lily of the valley, carnations, and peonies are common at French weddings, although white flowers are avoided as they may bring bad luck. Funerals are usually marked by marigolds and chrysanthemums.
Flowers In French Art
Flowers are also used in French art, literature, and poetry. The famous French impressionist painter Claude Monet was known for his paintings of flowers, particularly his water lilies. Flowers are also referenced in many famous French literary works, such as Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables,” where the character Fantine sings about a flower she has picked.
Common French Words For Flowers
To fully appreciate the world of French flowers, it’s important to understand some basic French flower vocabulary. Here are some common French flower names and flower terms that you may encounter:
Fleur (Flower)
This is the most basic French flower term, and it refers to any type of flower.
Rose (Rose)
The rose is one of the most popular and recognizable flowers in the world, and it’s no different in France. Roses come in many colors, and each color has its own significance. For example, the red flowers symbolize love and passion, while the white roses represent purity and innocence. The word rose in French vocabulary actually translates as “pink.” The famous term “la vie en rose” means to see life through rose-tinted spectacles.
Tulipe (Tulip)
The tulip is another popular flower in France, and it’s often associated with springtime. Tulips come in many colors, and each color has its own meaning. For example, red tulips represent true love, while yellow tulips symbolize happiness and sunshine.
Lys (Lily)
The lily is an elegant flower that is often associated with royalty and the French flag. In France, the fleur-de-lys, a stylized lily, is a symbol of the French monarchy and the French national flower. It is also linked to the Virgin Mary as a symbol of purity. Although, in fact, the fleur de lys is a sweet iris and not a type of lily.
Iris (Iris)
The word Iris, with its stunning purple blooms, is said to have come from the name given in Greek mythology to the Greek goddess of the rainbow.
Souci (Marigold)
The French marigold was first imported to France and the rest of Europe from Central America, and since the Victorian era, the French flower has been commonly associated with mourning, grief, and despair. In fact, the French word for Iris also translates in the French language as “worry.”
Chrysanthème (Chrysanthemum)
Another flower associated with death, Chrysanthemum, is bought from flower shops in France to decorate graves and feature at funerals.
Coquelicot (Wild poppy)
This national flower takes its name from “coq,” the French word for rooster, because of the bird’s bright red comb. It is often associated with the First World War and is a French flower associated with remembrance. The coquelicot can also be found in numerous paintings by French artists such as Van Gogh and Monet.
Marguerite (Daisy)
The tiny wild daisy is a simple but charming French plant that is often associated with innocence and purity. In France, the marguerite is sometimes given as a symbol of friendship, and Daisy is a popular nickname for people called Margaret.
Violette (Violet)
Another French flower that has an important place in French history, the Violette, was the secret symbol used by the supporters of Napoleon Bonaparte while they waited for their leader to return to France.
Lavande (Lavender)
It was the ancient Romans who first brought this gorgeous-smelling flower to France. The lavender fields of Provence are a famous attraction for tourists and bring in visitors to the region from around the world.
Coquelicot (Poppy)
The poppy is a bright and colorful flower that is often associated with remembrance. In France, poppies are commonly worn on Remembrance Day to honor those who died in the trenches of World War I.
Pivoine (Peony)
The peony is a beautiful and fragrant French flower that is often associated with love and romance. In France, the peony is sometimes given as a gift to symbolize a happy marriage.
Tournesol (Sunflower)
The French name for sunflower means “follows the sun’s movement.” Although they are not native French flowers, they will be inextricably linked to the country because of Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting “Sunflowers.”
Jonquille (Daffodil)
The daffodil is a bright and cheerful flower that is often associated with springtime. In France, the jonquil is sometimes given as a gift to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Bleuet (Cornflower)
The cornflower is a beautiful blue flower that is often associated with the French countryside and also associated with the French flag. In France, the bleuet is sometimes worn as a symbol of remembrance for those who fought in World War 1.
Un Peu Plus French Flower Vocabulary
| English | French |
| Flower | Fleur |
| Petals | Les petales |
| Leaves | Les fuilles |
| Stem | La tiges |
| Bud | Le bourgeon |
| Bouquet of flowers | Un bouquet de fleurs |
| Flower bed | Un parterre de fleurs |
| Garden | Le jardin |
Find More French Words For Flowers With Ling
Learning French flower names is a great way to increase your French language skills since many are similar to the names of flowers in English. However, if you want to learn French more deeply, then using Ling is a must! The Ling app makes learning languages easy with lessons created by native speakers and language experts. It also comes with lots of fun games and quizzes that’ll surely inspire and engage you while learning. The Ling app is available right now to download from App Store and Google Play. So, what are you waiting for? Learning languages is simple with the Ling app.
