Coutances’ Dahlia Festival

Coutances’ Dahlia Festival takes place in September and is usually on for the whole month. It’s an annual event and has been celebrated over 25 times. It takes place in the agricultural college (the lycée agricole) where students wanting an agricultural or horticultural profession study. Throughout the year the college also runs a garden centre with students responsible for growing and tending to the plants that are for sale.

Preparation and planting take place much earlier in the year and a huge space is opened up for the festival. From the gardens you get a great view of Coutances.

As well as over 300 varieties of dahlias, there are usually a few smaller gardens that have been landscaped by the students. The dahlias produce a riot of colour with some very blousy specimens

And some neater and smaller varieties

It’s difficult to choose a favourite. On my visit last year I kept thinking I’d found one but was then spoilt for choice. However, this pale pink flower with dark pink candy stripes particularly caught my eye.

Practical information

Coutances’ dahlia festival takes place at:

Serres du lycée agricole
Rue de Regneville sur mer
50200 COUTANCES

TEL : 02 33 45 13 44

It’s open 7 days a week from 2pm through to 6pm. It costs 5€ per person. Those under 10 go free. Information correct as at 2018.