Inspiration for a song famous all over the world, this region’s gorgeous roses are the fruit of the patient passing-down of floral know-how and creativity by renowned breeders and nurseries. 

A symbol of delicate beauty, roses – which flourish in Picardy soil and feature in many of its great gardens – express the very spirit of this region of France. 

In 2014, the Abbaye de Morienval south of the forest of Compiègne opened France’s first garden dedicated to the repertoire of British rose-breeder David Austin. Here, within the confines of an ancient royal monastery, visitors can wander amidst more than 1,600 rose bushes from 154 varieties, buy a bush to take home from the Rose Centre, and relax in the tea-room with its pretty terrace.

Take the Rose Trail

Created by David Austin after years of research, 'The Rose of Picardy®’– Ausfudge to experts – resembles a poppy,