The Roseraie du Val-de-Marne at l'Haÿ-les-Roses, the world's first rose garden

Did you know? In Val-de-Marne, there's a very special place that looks like Wonderland. In this not-so-secret garden, you'll stroll among rose bushes whose shimmering colors will enchant you. Welcome to the magnificent Roseraie du Val-de-Marne.

Roseraie du Val-de-Marne is approved as a "Conservatory of specialized plant collections" and is listed on the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. It has also been awarded the " Jardin Remarquable" label. This magical place, created at the end of the 19th century, is located in the town of l'Haÿ-les-Roses. It covers 1.5 hectares and boasts no fewer than 11,000 rosebushes and 2,600 different species.

Created in 1894 by Jules Gravereaux and enhanced by the famous landscape architect Edouard André in 1899, the Roseraie du Val-de-Marne is the world's first rose garden. Its innovative concept, using the rose as the sole element of plant decoration, revolutionized garden design.

As a true botanical conservatory, this rose garden is home to the largest living collection of old roses. Today, it boasts several thousand varieties, carefully tended by the Département du Val-de-Marne for over forty years.

Rigorously organized in a didactic spirit, the collections are divided into sectors designed by Jules Gravereaux according to a logic of chronological evolution, from the oldest to the most recent varieties. This approach allows visitors to discover the fascinating evolution of roses over the centuries.

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There are 13 collections arranged around the decorative rose garden in the French garden style. From wild to cultivated roses, this magical garden boasts one of the largest collections of old roses in France, if not the world.

From the Allee des Roses Historiques to the Jardin des Roses Etrangères and the Allee de l'Histoire de la Rose, you'll be amazed by the diversity of species. After this wonderful discovery, don't miss a visit to the Parc de la Roseraie, a 14-hectare English-style park. Whether in the shade of a tree or in full sun, you can enjoy this verdant setting with your family, friends or partner.

After a lovely stroll among the roses, you can opt for a picnic in the park (your ticket to the rose garden gives you access all day until 7pm, so you're free to go out and come back afterwards) or take a seat in the café-restaurant adjoining the rose garden. With its lovely terrace overlooking the rose garden and, in particular, the beautiful decorative rose garden, it's the perfect place to enjoy lunch or a drink.

For practical information, please note that the rose garden is open from early May to mid-September, from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm every day. The peak flowering season is in May and June. Admission is €4 per adult from May to mid-July, and free thereafter. Last but not least, the rose garden is open free of charge during the Rendez-vous aux Jardins and the Journées du Patrimoine.