La Roseraie de Provins
Saturday's outing was a short train ride from Paris (1hr10 on the Transilian line at Gare de l'Est)
To Provins (in Ile-de-France in case you were wondering) the center for France's rose products. Confit, syrups, candies and of course all things scented, soaps, lotions etc.
La Roseraie has over 300 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
