The "Jeux Floraux" were created in 1323, in Toulouse, by 7 Troubadours to maintain the "lyrisme courtois". These seven Troubadours were a damsel, Bernard de Panassac, an inhabitant of the Bourg de Toulouse, two moneychangers, two merchants and a notary.
They met with the Capitouls to create a poetry contest, with a golden violet that the Capitouls agreed to pay.
The seven formed the "Consistori del Gay Saber", which perpetuated the contest, endowed it with numerous prizes and promoted the rules of rhetoric and poetic art.
The first prize was awarded on May 3, 1324.
On May 3, 2023, it will celebrate its 700 years of existence.
Cjémence Isaure, mythical muse and patron of Toulouse, would have allowed the restoration of the Floral Games in the 15th century.
The "Compagnie du Gai savoir" was given the status of an Academy in 1694 by Louis XIV, instituting 36, then 40 maintainers, associated with masters-ès-jeux, in charge of perpetuating the tradition and carrying out regular works.
The Académie des Jeux Floraux is the heir to a tradition of seven centuries of excellence. Through its competitions and prizes, it encourages poetic creation in all its forms, in French and in the langue d'oc, especially in the francophone world. It is particularly concerned with the promotion of young poets in the school and university environment.
The Academy also strives to encourage literary creation and the dissemination of culture, notably through its readings and public lectures.
Every May 3, since 1324, it awards "Flowers" to the winners of the various competitions it organizes. Since 1896, it meets at the Hôtel d'Assézat and every May 3rd, in the Salle des Illustres of the Capitole, it eulogizes Clémence Isaure and gives its prizes and flowers, previously blessed at the Basilique de la Daurade.
Housed since 1895 in the l’Hôtel d’Assézat it has been recognized as a public utility since 1923.
Among the winners of the Jeux Floraux are Pierre de Ronsard, Victor Hugo, Chatreaubriand, Fabre d'Eglantine, Frédéric Mistral...
Academy of the Jeux Floraux
Hotel of Assézat and Clémence Isaure
Place Assezat,
31000 Toulouse
Tel : 05 61 21 22 85
https://www.toulouse-tourisme.com/hotel-d-assezat/toulouse/pcumid031v5015wt
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