Photo Scoop (no.13): Petals and Pictures from Girona’s Temps de Flors

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona, Spain

By Regina Winkle-Bryan

Nancy and I went up to the Temps de Flors, or the Flower Festival, in Girona, Spain. In the north of Catalonia, Girona is about 1.15 hr – 1.30 hr from Barcelona by RENFE train. A roundtrip ticket there and back is just under 20.00 euros, which is not cheap. Still, Girona is worth the 20.00 train ticket and if you have a little more to spend book a hotel and stay a couple nights.

Your Scoopettes recommend Girona any time of year; it’s a wonderful place in a diverse area of Catalonia. If you have a rental car you can use Girona as a base to explore the coves of the Costa Brava, head to Figueres to the Salvador Dalí Museum or check out the many up-and-coming vineyards in the area. We love this rural hotel for stays nearby Girona in the countryside.

As far as the Temps de Flors, go early in the week because by the 20th of May the flowers are not so fresh. Also, be aware that this is a popular local festival and the place is packed on the weekends. The best time to see the floral displays throughout the old Jewish Quarter and medieval center is from 2pm-4pm when everyone else goes to have lunch. Eat early and avoid lines. The Temps de Flors is completely free and very extensive. It’s easy to spend the whole day wandering around Girona’s steep streets admiring blooms.

Bring your walking shoes for the cobblestones and some water. I went to the Temps de Flors about 5 years back, and I have to admit that this year it was not as impressive as the first year. I think this has something to do with the state of the economy in Spain. In any case, it’s still a wonderful festival, now in its 57th year!

Here’s a peek:

Nancy and a Bee or a Fly...Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona, Spain - Cathedral

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona, Spain - Cosmic Floral Sculpture

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona, Spain

Floral Dress - Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona - Scoopette Regina Winkle-Bryan

Nancy in Girona, Spain

Bridges of Girona

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona - 'Princess Bridge'

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona, Spain - Scoopettes Strike a Pose

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona, Spain - Leafy Square

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona, Spain - Nancy by Cathedral

Girona, Spain

Temps de Flors 2012 - Girona, Spain - Cathedral from Above - Steps

This vibrant festival is on NOW, so get on over to Girona to enjoy it before the petals wilt (May 12 – 20 2012). See more on Temps de Flors on this website:www.gironatempsdeflors.cat