Lily of the valley in Corrèze, traditions that are preserved

Who doesn't know this pretty flower with white bells which diffuses a pleasant scent every year, as the month of May approaches ? In Corrèze, the appearance of lily of the valley arouses emotion and marks the launch of numerous traditions between balls, festivals and especially the lily of the valley stroll in Masseret.

Lily of the valley, a flower that grows once a year in Corrèze

The May lily of the valley, also called " lily of the Valleys ", is an ephemeral flower which reveals its white bells for 3 to 4 weeks between the month of April and the month of June. Originally from Japan, it grows wild in temperate zones to the delight of Corréziens who see the forests sparse with pretty white dots across the paths every year. The sprig of lily of the valley offered on May 1 is a good luck charm according to tradition. Don't deprive yourself and spoil your loved ones with little bells! The proof: 13 years of marriages are celebrated under the name of lily of the valley wedding !

The lily of the valley walk in Masseret in Corrèze

For more than 40 years, the town of Masseret has celebrated lily of the valley with an organized walk in the Montard forest, an opportunity to get together with family, friends or lovers for a day dedicated to happiness in search of so coveted lily of the valley. Don't miss the departure at 9 a.m. for an excursion of a few kilometers on the forest paths, before sharing an aperitif at midday around the lake. Free and open to all , the lily of the valley walk in Masseret is a tradition that continues all year round, to the delight of locals and nature lovers. As for the date, it's not complicated, it's May 1st !

Lily of the valley, some advice and precautions to follow

This wild flower, discreet and fragrant, grows in forests, ideal for special picking when traveling the trails. If this is tolerated in public forests, it must be validated by the owner of the private forests. Once authorized, respect remains essential, it is not a question of destroying nature, but of making a reasoned harvest to optimize the growth of the lily of the valley in the years to come. Avoid pulling out the flower, cut it without removing the bulb and put the stem in water to extend its lifespan. According to the National Forestry Office, you can take between 10 and 15 stems per person, which still gives you a beautiful bouquet. Be careful if you are with children, it turns out that lily of the valley is a highly toxic plant that can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and heart problems.

Don't miss May 1st and the Lily of the Valley festival in Corrèze, surround yourself with white bells to bring you luck all year round !

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