International Rosepark, Rose garden in the Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon, France
The Grande Roseraie Internationale is a large rose garden set within the Parc de la Tête d'Or in Lyon's 6th arrondissement, stretching between a small artificial lake and the Quai Achille Lignon. The garden holds over 350 rose varieties, including climbing roses, miniature roses, and older cultivars, all arranged along winding paths framed by tall trees.
The garden was laid out in the early 1960s and officially opened in June 1964, with notable guests such as the Prince of Monaco attending the ceremony. A smaller rose competition garden had already been established in the same park in 1930 and still hosts an annual international contest for new rose varieties.
The Grande Roseraie Internationale is a popular spot for wedding photos, as couples are drawn to the setting formed by the flower beds and the tall trees bordering the water. Artists and painters also come here regularly to work from the flowers directly.
The best time to visit is in May, when the roses are in full bloom and the range of colors is at its widest. Early morning or late afternoon tends to be quieter, and the softer light makes it easier to enjoy the flowers and take photos.
Within the botanical section of the park, a separate historical rose garden created in 1980 traces the story of the rose through wild species collected from Europe, Asia, and North America. Some of these wild roses grow so tall that they need sturdy supports to hold them upright.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
