Did the walls of Lyon ever whisper secrets of roses? Here at the Fresque des Roses – Lyon, Av Santy Mural, they certainly do. This massive mural, inaugurated in June 2011, isn’t just paint on a wall. It’s a vibrant tapestry woven with the history of Lyon’s love affair with roses. The Fresque des Roses – Lyon, Av Santy Mural vividly depicts the 19th century, a time when the Bachut area overflowed with rose gardens. Imagine fields of roses stretching as far as the eye could see. The mural was brought to life by CitéCréation, thanks to the “Société des Roses Anciennes en France”. The Fresque des Roses – Lyon, Av Santy Mural is cleverly designed. The lower section unfolds a chronological narrative of Lyon’s rose history, each arch representing a specific period. Above, hovering over a painted field of roses, four legendary varieties bloom: Lacharme’s “Boule de Neige”, Schwartz’s “Mme Alfred Carrière”, Ducher’s “Marie van Houtte”, and Guillot’s “Mme Eugène Résal”. Look closely at the Fresque des Roses – Lyon, Av Santy Mural. You’ll find a portrait of Joséphine de Beauharnais alongside the “Souvenir de la Malmaison” rose, created by Beluze. Joséphine, Napoleon’s first wife, generously gifted part of her rare plant collection, including roses from her Malmaison estate, to Lyon’s Botanical Garden, then located on the slopes of Croix-Rousse. This mural, located on Avenue Paul Santy, stands as a testament to Lyon’s rich floral heritage. The Fresque des Roses – Lyon, Av Santy Mural is more than just a beautiful artwork. It’s a fragrant echo of Lyon’s past, a reminder of a time when the city was the heart of the rose world.
Soierie Vivante
Isn’t it remarkable how threads can weave history? Here at Soierie Vivante, we don’t just display silk we bring its