“Rose perfection” is the best description for what awaits us. La Roseraie in Marseille is a testament to beauty and history. Its story began in the 18th century. Joseph Borély a wealthy shipowner decided to build a domain. It included land vineyards meadows gardens trees and buildings.
Throughout the 18th century the property expanded. Louis de Borély constructed an elegant country house. Today it is the Borély Museum.
In the mid-19th century Marseille acquired the domain. The city transformed it into a public park. It featured three distinct sections a French garden an English park and a racetrack. The racetrack opened in 1860.
Rose gardens gained popularity in the early 20th century. Jules Gravereaux created his rose garden in l’Haÿ-les-Roses. Cities desired their own versions. Paris had Bagatelle in the Bois de Boulogne. Marseille waited until 1923. The botanical garden was moved. A rose garden replaced it.
La Roseraie today covers 5000 square meters. It maintains its original layout. This makes it one of the last classic French rose gardens.
Restoration work was necessary. It maintained the original structure. It adapted the watering system. It replaced the substrate. Masonry structures and furniture were also renovated.
Marseille launched the basin’s earthworks and refilling. The city reinforced the paths. It installed the weatherboarding. It developed the banks of the Huveaune. Landscape hedges and rose bushes were planted.
Today La Roseraie boasts 2511 rose bushes. There are shrub roses landscape roses climbing roses miniature roses stem roses and cascade roses.
Marseille plays a role in rose creation. This is thanks to the Société d’Horticulture et d’Arboriculture des Bouches-du-Rhône. It is a leading botanical society with a training center. “Topaze” was created in 1983. Since then over 140 Marseillaise varieties have been sold. They are sold in France Europe Russia Japan the USA and Australia.
But there is also the Villa La Roseraie in the Endoume district. It was built in the late 19th century. Gaëtan Amoletti a rock craftsman created its decorations. He covered the facades and part of the boundary wall. On the street side the decor uses false architecture themes. There is a fake window. In the garden a carefully designed decor of faux wood. It references 18th-century Provençal plasterwork decorations. It represents an interior decor. It serves as a backdrop for the terrace. The terrace is designed as an open-air dining room.
The house terrace and garden form a small intimate theater. It is a setting for family life scenes in the countryside.
La Roseraie is more than just a garden. It is a journey through time. It is a celebration of beauty and a testament to Marseille’s horticultural expertise. Take a moment to breathe in the fragrant air. Admire the colorful blooms. Let La Roseraie capture your heart.