108 lovely French flower names that will make your vocab bloom

Do you need some flower power in your life? Flowers are not only a delight for the eyes but also for the brain, as they oxygenate the air.

With such a super power — and because they brighten our days — we thought they merited a dedicated article. If you want to compliment somebody’s garden in a French speaking country, describe a lavender field in Provence or buy flowers for your French moitié, we have exactly what you need.

Keep reading for a colorful, fragrant explosion of flowers in French!

Download our FREE guide to flowering plants and their French names. Get planting!

Flowers in French

Les fleurs sont le langage de l’amour. And if that’s not clear enough, you can also have a look at these ways to say I love you in French. But first things first. In French, “flower” is “fleur”. “Flowers”, “fleurs”. The pronunciation is a bit tricky though. Check out this video to practice.

National flower of France and Paris

France’s national flower is world famous, but the translation is not always correct. Confusingly enough, the royal embleme “fleur-de-lys” is not a lily, but a sweet iris.

Other flowers of France

The list below includes some of the most beloved French wildflowers. Hmmm, it feels like le printemps, don’t you think?

Download our FREE guide to flowering plants and their French names

Remember all the names of your favorite flowering plants in French with our printable poster. We've included planting tips on light, position, watering, and soil type.

More names of flowers in French

Too many names of flowers in French? Stop and smell the roses, because we have more. From sunflowers in French to marigolds in French, here is a sunny bouquet for you.

More handy floral words to add to your French vocabulary bouquet

If you love flowers, these will come in handy. A wonderful addition to learning fruits and vegetables in French!

Where/how to go flower shopping at a market or supermarket

Best flower shops in Paris

Are you looking to impress? According to this magazine, these are the best fleuristes in Paris. And, every year, the best artisan fleuriste de France is elected.

Typically, you can also buy flowers at most street marchés. Large supermarkets also sell flowers, but the quality is not always great.

How to order from a vendor?

• To buy a flower bouquet, you can say: “Bonjour, je voudrais ce bouquet, s’il vous plaît."
• If you haven’t made up your mind yet and need advice, you can say: “Bonjour, je souhaiterais offrir des fleurs à une amie.”

Important etiquette to keep in mind when shopping for flowers

Many people still apply flower etiquette. For example, pick your color wisely depending on the message you want to convey.

• Red flowers, especially roses, are typically associated with passionate love.
• Yellow is a great color for a friend.
• White means purity, innocence, and is common for weddings. (And if you want to brush up on your colors in French, here’s where to look.)
• Avoid chrysanthemums — except for a funeral or to decorate a tomb — and red carnations, which are a sign of ill will.
• Finally, always pick an odd number of flowers. 11 roses, for example. C’est le bouquet ! (French expression meaning “That takes the cake”).

Who doesn’t like flowers? In a meadow or in your garden, they are a key player in pollination, and therefore essential for our planet. They’re also a welcomed gift in any situation.

So, if you visit some friends or are invited to dinner in France, a bouquet de fleurs is always a good idea. We hope the vocabulary above will help you to make a good impression. Even better, combine your bouquet with a friendly Bonjour in French!

We say goodbye with a superb, joyful French ode to flowers and freedom:

Le pouvoir des fleurs, from Laurent Voulzy.