Monday, August 19, 2013

La Roseraie de Provins

La Roseraie de Provins
Saturday's outing was an hour train ride from Paris on the Transilian line at Gare de l'Est.
Provins (in Ile-de-France in case you were wondering) is the center for France's rose products. Confit, syrups, candies and of course all things scented, soaps, lotions etc.
La Roseraie has over 300 rose varieties spread over 3 acres, many you can buy on the spot from them.
It's a devinely serene place to go and relax and just breathe.
The various beds of roses are referred to as 'rooms' same as in the gardens of Versailles.
'Conceived exactly as open-air drawing rooms, the groves in the garden contain superb examples of 17th and 18th century decorative arts.'.






Apple trees too. One can see why Eve was tempted. I saved one off the ground not wishing to tempt fate...
There's a lovely café outdoors and a full garden shop inside La Roseraie with both vintage and current essentials for gardening.
I barely left any time to see the quite famous medieval town of Provins...
 
I'll have to return next Sunday for their bang-up annual fete Moissan with everyone in full costume. I'm looking forward to the gastronomic part of the fete bien sur..
 
I did buy a small jar of the famous confit de petals de roses - a delicate-tasting gelee that goes perfectly with Beillevaire's creamy, slightly salty Rocamadour chevre. It's not too sweet either.
 
I think you have to taste some things before buying like a rosey mustard - a good reason to return next weekend.
What I ate in Provins -
A rose confit ice cream cone with Chantilly.
What I ate this morning...YUM 

32 comments:

  1. FYI: there's a little tourist bus at the train station you'll definitely need to get into town (4.50 euros RT)
    The gardens entry is 6.5 euros
    there is MUCH, MUCH MORE to see in the medieval town of Provins...why I'm returning.

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  2. ... yum, I love rose petal jam ... hard to find in the USA ... Provins looks lovely, can't wait for more pics.

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  3. Hmmmm. Love all the rose products and so many things to make with them all. Lovely breakfast! You will LOVE the medieval fête. It's busy but so much fun. Looking forward to seeing your write-up.

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    Replies
    1. Have you made cheese Macarons?
      I guess Philadelphia cream cheese would work..

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  4. What a fantastic Saturday excursion! So good that it needs multiple Saturdays. That rose petal jelly certainly looks intriguing, as does the rose mustard and rose sugar. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Provins.

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  5. I think I am finally going to start a notebook jotting down your fave places..
    This looks so pretty and right up my allee..:)(sorry I can't copy and paste accents this AM..)
    Your aquarelle is lovely..
    My roses are reblooming ..their last hurrah..
    I made 1 small jar of rose petal jelly a few yrs ago.
    The rose sirop sounds pretty good too..La moutarde?Not sure in my palate's mind..
    Hope there's a breeze next time you go..Cosmos sway beautifully.

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  6. Such a beautiful spot, Carol; it looks so relaxing and uncrowded.
    Love the opening painting!

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  7. What a peaceful respite from the noise of the city! Cosmos became my favorite flower this spring...unfortunately, they don't last long in the Texas heat.

    Your watercolor is just beautiful, Carol. xx Katie

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  8. Carol, I do believe that this post is one of my favorites...out of all your excursions out from Paris. What a completely charming place. It looks as if you picked a perfect time to see the roses.

    The upcoming medieval fete would seem to be an excellent reason to return to the scene. Actually, I could imagine returning to that garden over and over. I am smitten.

    xo

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  9. Anonymous10:13 AM

    LOVELY!!!!!
    Linda

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  10. Beautiful, beautiful. We contemplated going to Provins, but couldn't find any good reason to do so. Now we know...
    Prettiest ice cream cone ever!

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    Replies
    1. Sometimes it's a good idea to just go when undecided.
      It usually works out to ones benefit
      The countryside is so beautiful anyway

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  11. Bonjour PB~
    Loved this post....Provins is on my "must see someday" list. Just checked out the postcards on Zazzle....needless to say, I have a few coming. Am so enjoying your move to Paris!!
    ~Suzanne

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  12. Sounds great! I thought of you this am--someone was talking about Paris Plage and I thought--wonder if Carol made it there...lovely watercolor, Carol! Glad you're getting out into nature some!

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    Replies
    1. I walk through the park every single day here on the way to the pool
      Yes I'm certainly getting more exposure to Maman Nature in Paris.
      I just wish there were more bird varieties here like in your back yard.

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  13. Anonymous12:19 PM

    This looks like a lovely spot to visit
    Carole

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  14. Thanks for taking us along. Anxious to hear more next week. I would love to try the jam.

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  15. This is a lovely haven! I'm afraid I would have spent a fortune in that little shop, though!

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    Replies
    1. I loved the color of the rose syrup and the look of the Eiffel tower liqueurs

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  16. Carol, between your painting and pictures you have truly given us a slice of heaven on earth.
    Roseraie in just an enchanting place.
    Thank You!

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  17. Roseraie does look like a must visit spot - so beautiful, lush and serene. I lookforward to seeing Provins as it looks like it needs to be on my list.

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  18. cyndi from SD1:49 PM

    I'm adding this to my list...thank you

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  19. Anonymous2:25 PM

    I want that ice cream cone...the grounds were lovely and I bet smelled so devine...that would be heaven..you must be having a ball living in. Paris.
    Lynne

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  20. Anonymous7:31 PM

    So pretty. I need to go here!

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  21. OH WHAT A LOVELY POST!! Love the couple sitting on the bench.. Great photo and all the scenery & Roses... Love your painting too. I need to go back and enjoy it some more. Look forward to next weeks pix.

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  22. I love this post. The photos are beautiful! My maternal grandfather grew incredibly beautiful roses. He passed on that love to my mother and to me. I can't even imagine what that rose moutarde must taste like. Please let us know once you taste it.

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  23. Gorgeous! I shall dream of a bed of roses tonight. Merci, Carol!

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  24. I love everything rose. I'll have to add this to my list next time I return. Thank you!

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  25. Divine, thanks for sharing.

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  26. I hope the rosey mustard and other flavours will increase the taste and sweetness. This is easy and healthy breakfast recipes for who can eat such foods.

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  27. The white flowers growing in the garden are Tall Phlox. They also come in shades of pink and lavender. They are very prolific as they are self sowing. I don't think the bouquet on the bus is the same as the foliage looks different. They might be a variety of hydrangea.
    Thank you for these beautiful pictures. I plan to spend a month in Paris early next summer. And as a flower lover I hope to explore many gardens while I am there.
    Sarah

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