Paris & the Rose: History & Symbolism

In Full Bloom: The Rose and Its Enduring Presence in French Culture

The rose, with its delicate petals and unmistakable fragrance, has long held a special place in French culture. This enchanting flower is much more than a mere decorative object; it carries with it a rich history, symbolism, and mythology that have shaped the French identity over the centuries. Join us as we delve into the fascinating story of the rose in France, from ancient times to the present day.

Ancient Roots: Greek and Roman Influence

Before the Middle Ages, the Greeks and Romans laid the groundwork for the rose's prominence in France. As the Romans expanded their empire, they brought with them the art of rose cultivation. Greek myths surrounding the rose made their way into the Gallo-Roman culture, with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, often depicted adorned with roses.

The rose was also associated with Roman deities, such as Venus, the goddess of love, and Flora, the goddess of flowers. In the south of France, the remnants of ancient rose gardens still provide a glimpse into the flower's early significance in the region.

Enlightened Elegance: 18th & 19th Centuries

During this period, the jardin à la française was in vogue, characterized by its symmetry and geometric patterns. The renowned Roseraie de l'Haÿ, designed by Jules Gravereaux, exemplifies the period's aesthetic, featuring an alluring central axis and quadrants filled with rare and exquisite roses.

At the heart of these gardens, hybridization flourished.

Innovations from celebrated rosarians such as Jean-Baptiste André Guillot and the Pernet-Ducher family led to the creation of remarkable new cultivars. Among them, 'La France,' the world's first Hybrid Tea rose, and 'Soleil d'Or,' a groundbreaking Pernetiana rose, graced the gardens of the time.

The importance of roses in French culture is evident not only in their prominence in these gardens, but also in the works of renowned artists and writers such as Pierre-Joseph Redouté and Victor Hugo.

These historical French rose gardens continue to inspire contemporary designs, serving as living testaments to the nation's enduring passion for the 'Queen of Flowers.'

Pictured: château de Versailles

A Timeless Love Affair

The French Revolution, a period of radical social and political change, transformed France and shaped modern history. Amid the chaos, the rose emerged as a symbol of hope and resistance.

The wearing of a red rose, known as the 'Rosette,' signified allegiance to the revolutionaries and their cause. The rose embodied the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Its association with these ideals can be traced back to the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whose ideas inspired the revolutionaries. In 1794, Rousseau’s remains were transferred to the Panthéon in Paris in a ceremony that saw his tomb adorned with roses, forever linking the flower with the revolutionary movement.

The Rose: The Official Flower of Paris

The rose's enduring prominence in Parisian culture is reflected in its status as the city's official flower. This designation stems from the deep-rooted love affair between Paris and the rose, which can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The relationship between the city and the flower blossomed during the reign of King Louis XIV, who was captivated by the rose's beauty and elegance. The monarch's passion for the rose is evident in the lavish gardens he commissioned, such as the ones at Versailles, which featured an extensive collection of roses.

In the early 20th century, the city of Paris recognized the importance of the rose in its culture and sought to celebrate the flower's beauty and diversity. As a result, the Paris International Rose Trials (Bagatelle Rose Trials) were established in 1907 at the Parc de Bagatelle. The trials aimed to identify and promote the finest rose cultivars from around the world.

Over the years, the Paris International Rose Test Trials have become one of the most respected and anticipated events in the world of rose breeding. It has contributed to the discovery and promotion of numerous exceptional rose cultivars, which have gone on to become popular and beloved garden plants in many countries.

The Competition

The Paris International Rose Test Trials are open to both professional and amateur breeders from around the world. Each year, new rose cultivars are submitted to the trials, where they are evaluated based on various criteria such as fragrance, color, disease resistance, and overall beauty. The evaluation process usually takes two years, with roses being judged by a panel of experts. The winning roses are awarded prestigious titles like "Prix de la Rose," "Prix du Parfum," and "Prix de la Beauté." These accolades help promote the winning roses globally and encourage the development of innovative and high-quality rose varieties.

The Paris International Rose Test Trials, also known as the Concours international de roses nouvelles de Bagatelle, and its history can be traced back to the establishment of the Parc de Bagatelle, where the trials take place. The Parc de Bagatelle was created in 1775 by François-Joseph Bélanger, a French architect and landscape designer.

Over the years, the park has undergone several transformations, ultimately becoming the beautiful botanical garden it is today. In 1907, the City of Paris established the Roseraie de Bagatelle, a rose garden within the Parc de Bagatelle, under the direction of Jules Gravereaux, a renowned rosarian. The garden was designed to house and display a vast collection of roses from around the world.

The trials began in 1907, the same year the Roseraie de Bagatelle was created, with the purpose of encouraging the development of new rose varieties and fostering international collaboration between rose breeders. The event was first organized by the French Society of Roses (Société Française des Roses) and was later taken over by the City of Paris in 1945.