The City of Flowers boasts two renowned rose gardens, both exquisite. The one in Parc de Bagatelle is the most celebrated for its lush flora, while the Layle Rose Garden ranks second. Yet for lovers of delicate roses, each possesses its own unique character and atmosphere. Just from the poetic name "Roses," one is immediately reminded of their dazzling charm.
Do you remember? Among popular songs in Taiwan, there was a hit titled "Rose, Rose, I Love You." This masterpiece drew inspiration from the bewitching rose garden. Perhaps the composer was an ardent lover of roses, capable of expressing their voice with such poetic imagery and perfection.
This fragrant garden, the oldest in the city's history, was founded by Jules Gravereau (founder of the famous Parisian department store "Bon Marche") at the end of the 19th century (1894) during France's golden era. Now over a century old, this corner of the verdant park houses nearly 3,500 varieties of brilliant roses from around the world. Visitors can appreciate the development of the entire rose family, from ancient to modern, wild to cultivated, Eastern to Western, totaling over 15,000 green rose bushes. The famous Bagatelle Rose Garden took inspiration here and transplanted roses into its own grounds. Is it a rose garden or Eden?
In this spacious French traditional garden filled with lush flora, rows upon rows of exquisite roses are arranged in orderly rhythm. Various series of climbing roses and briars form colorful flower arches, corridors, and walls, their clever designs inviting contemplation. The interwoven paths of brilliant roses and briars connect flower-covered pergolas and natural theaters, dotted with antique-style statues, creating a poetic and captivating scene. During peak bloom, the sea of flowers is mesmerizing; bathing in the fragrance, one becomes intoxicated by nature, unsure whether they are in a rose garden or Eden.
The vibrant garden centers on an octagonal water mirror fountain with shimmering reflections, set within a strict symmetrical fan layout. Miniature decorative roses surround the water mirror. To the left are brilliant modern roses (from the 1950s to present), near Norman-style bungalows; first come noble lady roses, French roses surrounding a sanctuary of love, followed by other European modern roses. To the right are brilliant ancient roses (19th to early 20th century); Oriental (Chinese, Japanese, Indian, etc.) roses and briars, then the Empresspremium roses of Malmaison, and 18th-century roses, among others.
Behind the series of flower-covered pergolas, walls are covered with specially curated roses and briars: wild roses, large shrub roses, Japanese field briars, and tea-scented roses, full of vitality and charm. (The Norman-style bungalows in front serve as a museum displaying the history of roses, including the founding of the rose garden, paintings, photos, documents, and audiovisual presentations of the evolution of roses.)
In front of the rose garden lies a lush English garden. Amidst natural scenery, tall pines, expansive lawns, and winding shaded paths cut through flower beds and rose plots. In this fluid, open space, visitors find a place for leisure and recreation in the City of Flowers.