Roseraie Internationale and the World Rose Competitions

Why is it significant?

Step into a breathtaking explosion of vibrant colors and intoxicating perfumes in the Roseraie Internationale of the Parc de la Tête d'Or, laid out in 1964 by chief horticulturist Paul Perrigault and inaugurated in royal ceremony by Princess Grace of Monaco.

Key Facts

Open the walk

Step into a breathtaking explosion of vibrant colors and intoxicating perfumes in the Roseraie Internationale of the Parc de la Tête d'Or, laid out in 1964 by chief horticulturist Paul Perrigault and inaugurated in royal ceremony by Princess Grace of Monaco. Spanning five enchanting hectares beside a quiet arm of the Great Lake, this internationally renowned sanctuary brings together more than sixteen thousand rose bushes representing over four hundred and fifty distinct botanical and hybrid varieties, from heritage Bourbon and Gallica roses to cutting-edge award-winning modern cultivars. The garden celebrates Lyon's historic preeminence as the rose capital of the world since the nineteenth century, when legendary dynasties of local rose breeders, including the Meilland, Guillot, and Pernet-Ducher families, revolutionized world horticulture. Shaded rose-covered pergolas and classical stone arches lead visitors toward a grand central reflecting pool animated by sparkling water fountains. A series of gently curving brick pathways invites visitors to admire climbing ramblers that drape over wrought-iron pavilions, creating a lush tapestry of blossoms. In early summer, the heady scent of Damask and Centifolia blooms fills the air, drawing garden enthusiasts from around the world to study historic hybridization techniques. From May through October, the blooming petals create a luxuriant carpet of crimson, amber, apricot, and creamy white that delights all five senses. Sweet floral fragrances drift on the afternoon breeze.

Inhale the rich fragrance of the competition flowerbeds: every May, the prestigious Concours International de Roses Nouvelles de Lyon convenes world experts here to judge new rose varieties on vigor, perfume, and natural disease resistance.

In 1867, Lyon nurseryman Jean-Baptiste Guillot created the historic rose 'La France' in his local nursery, universally recognized by botanists as the world's very first hybrid tea rose, inaugurating the modern era of rose cultivation.

Stroll beneath the wooden climbing rose tunnels: these shaded floral arches offer a tranquil, romantic refuge where park visitors love to read and rest away from the summer heat.

Walk west along the wooded avenues to discover the open savannah grasslands of the Plaine Africaine.