Tulip Blooms at the Morges Tulip Festival : a week-end of play and panache
The timing couldn’t have been better. Just days after its release, Tulip—the latest creation from Les Tontons Joueurs—made a vibrant appearance at the Fête de la Tulipe in Morges, Switzerland, on April 12–13. Invited by the local game store Ludivander, the team spent the weekend introducing curious festival-goers to their floral-themed board game.
A game that blossomed among the Tulips
Though the Tulip Festival isn’t a board game event, the atmosphere was perfect for discovery.
« They were really laid-back, laughs illustrator Tony Rochon. People didn’t come to play games, but they sat down willingly and let themselves be swept away ».
The festival runs for six weeks—from March 28 to May 11—but the Tontons were there for just one weekend. A fleeting visit, yes, but Tulip remains available in all good game stores for those who missed the moment.
Tulip : a story of instinct and inspiration
While Tony brought the game’s visuals to life, this time Alain Ollier wasn’t the author.
« It’s by Quentin Lammerant, Alain explains. One Sunday night, I got an email. I never check my inbox at that hour, but I opened it. Must’ve been instinct. Two days later, we were presenting it at the Blackrock Games publisher seminar. We didn’t fully grasp the rules yet—but something clicked ».
One year later, after a few tweaks, Tulip was born.
« That’s a record for us, Alain admits. We usually take our time—Les Apaches de Paris took six years! The fastest? Garçons!—48 hours flat. The longest? Still in the works ! »
A game of strategy and scent
In Tulip, players dive into the bulb market, seizing opportunities, raising values, and trading with finesse.
« Invest, exchange, and grow a blooming collection… if you’ve got the nose for it ».
From a serendipitous email to a Swiss festival table, Tulip is proof that sometimes, all it takes is a little flair—and a lot of heart.
