Imagine a rose that has survived the Crusades to become the botanical emblem of the Ile-de-France region! The emblematic flower of the medieval town of Provins, the rose de Provins - an ancient variety of Rosa gallica - embodies both botanical elegance and the richness of theÎle-de-France terroir. Cultivated for centuries for its powerful fragrance and beneficial properties, it is now available in a multitude of gourmet and cosmetic variations: Provins rose confit, rose honey, rose hydrosol, soaps and ointments, Provins rose-based products have become floral ambassadors of the local heritage.
Provins, Île-de-France's largest medieval city, with many treasures to discover
In Seine-et-Marne, just a few kilometers from the capital, lies the medieval town of Provins, a testimony to its trading past and lively fairs. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town straight out of the Middle Ages is brimming with historical treasures, from the Tour César to its rose-based culinary specialties, not to mention its imposing ramparts! [Read more]
According to tradition, Thibaud IV of Champagne brought back the Rosa gallica officinalis, known asthe "Rose de Provins", on his return from the Crusades around 1240, and ordered its cultivation on the hillsides of Provins. Legend has it that this gesture launched the town's rose-cult prosperity. Although no authentic chronicle confirms it, this poetic story has been told orally for centuries.
It is said that dried petals were offered as cushions to kings and queens of France such as François I, Catherine de Médicis and Henri IV when they visited Provins. Moreover, during religious processions such as Corpus Christi, rose petals are said to have been thrown onto the procession, and young girls sometimes wore hats adorned with petals.
Botanical and robust, this rose belongs to the Rosa gallica species, one of the oldest roses cultivated in Europe. It grows as a dense bush to 1.20-1.50 m, with semi-double flowers of 5 to 15 petals, bright carmine red and an exceptional fragrance. It flowers only in June-July (non-remontant), offering a unique, fragrant bloom with prominent golden stamens, on medium-green, matte foliage.
Provins has a long history of floral gastronomy. As far back as the Middle Ages, cooks and apothecaries were already preparing dishes scented with rose petals. One of the finest examples is Provins rose petal confit, a delicate preparation obtained by macerating the petals in sugar and lemon juice. With a texture akin to refined jelly, this confit is the perfect accompaniment to fresh cheeses, foie gras and pastries. Over the centuries, Provins craftsmen and apothecaries have turned the Provins rose into petal jams, confits, candies, nougats, honeys, syrups and floral teas. Rose jam and honey remain emblematic local specialties.
On the sweet side, the town also offers handmade rose candies, delicately scented nougat, marshmallows, filled chocolates and even macaroons. These sweet creations bear witness to a rare savoir-faire, blending delicacy with tradition.
But Provins rose doesn't just perfume desserts. It is also used in the composition of original drinks, inspired by medieval recipes. Among these, rose wine, made by macerating petals in white or rosé wine, was highly prized at the court of kings for its digestive and aphrodisiac properties.
Even more surprising is Provins' artisanal rose beer, brewed in small batches by local micro-breweries. This beer blends malty notes with the floral elegance of the rose, creating a thirst-quenching and singular beverage, often offered at medieval fairs or botanical festivals in the region.
You'll also find floral syrups, perfect to enhance homemade lemonade or a refined cocktail, and even teas or infusions combining rose with other medicinal plants.
Known since the 16th century, Provins rose water - or hydrolat - was already prized for its astringent, soothing and toning properties. Obtained by steam distillation of fresh petals, it was used to make skin care products, as well as remedies for sore throats and digestive disorders.
Today, soaps, balms, oils and body lotions derived from this floral tradition are still produced locally, using traditional methods. They appeal to a public in search of naturalness and sensory heritage.
Its astringent and tonic properties also make Provins rose a favored ingredient in cosmetics: hydrolats (floral water), anti-aging oils, soaps and balms are made locally. Known since the 16th century, Provins rosewater was carefully distilled to preserve its fragrance and benefits.
Over time, the rose was also used in Provins rose preserves, a mixture of crushed petals, rose water and sugar, recommended as an astringent remedy and excipient for pills. It is even said that Provins once had more apothecaries than any other form of commerce on the main street, each adorned with a rosebush at the entrance.
Created and then abandoned, the Roseraie de Provins was restored in 2008, covering an area of 3 to 3.5 hectares and featuring some 300 to 450 varieties of rose, including, of course, Rosa gallica officinalis. This remarkable garden, located at the foot of the medieval city, allows visitors to discover the history of the rose, from ancient varieties to modern hybrids. There's even a boutique-tea room offering a range of cosmetic and culinary specialties based on the city's iconic flower, and you can enjoy an excellent rose ice cream. Other key rose-related addresses for shopping in Provins include La Savonnerie de la rose for beauty products and La Ronde des Abeilles for delicacies!
Looking for a haven of peace in the Paris region? We'll take you to the Roseraie de Provins, a bucolic getaway in a beautiful green setting. An addictive spot! [Read more]
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Provins, Île-de-France's largest medieval city, with many treasures to discover
The Roseraie de Provins, an enchanted garden near Paris
