The Princess Grace Rose Garden
Located in the heart of the lush gardens of Fontvieille Park, in the principality of Monaco, a picturesque rose garden has been lovingly built and maintained to honor Princess Grace. Prince Rainier III commissioned the creation of the Princess Grace Rose Garden in 1984 as a tribute to his beloved wife – a symbol of the couple’s enduring love and their eternal bond.
Designed in the style of an English garden, it flows with lush flower beds, intimate walkways and romantic, pastoral landscaping, while maintaining the Mediterranean characteristics of the region. Century old olive trees were planted to complement the thousands of rosebushes.
Princess Grace was passionate about flowers, especially roses and orchids. As a wedding gift, the House of Meilland, famous French rose breeders, created the “Grace de Monaco” rose. It’s a sumptuous and bold hybrid tea rose with fragrant petals. The delicate, abundant petals are pink with a silvery highlight. To promote the art of flower arranging, Princess Grace established the Monaco Garden Club and initiated the Monte-Carlo International Bouquet Competition in 1968. In 1979, the Grace de Monaco rose was featured on a stamp to commemorate the event.
In 1981, another rose was presented at the legendary Bal de la Rose. The perfect white rose with a vermilion border, the same colors as the princely flag of Monaco, immediately delighted the Princess. Although it was to be called “Preference”, the name was swiftly changed to “Princess of Monaco” instead.
The garden features an abundant expanse of roses surrounding a central fountain, displaying the beauty of nature while paying tribute to the memory of Princess Grace. The vibrant colors of the roses in bloom create an almost magical atmosphere in the garden. The peaceful setting, amid the beauty and wonders of the garden, make it an enchanting place to visit. Over 300 rose varieties from all over the world have been expertly arranged within the garden, which has become an iconic symbol for love and romance.
In 1982, Dutch sculptor Kees Verkade was commissioned by Prince Rainier III to create a bronze statue of the Princess that stands in the garden, overlooking the roses. Her beloved roses, held in such high esteem, serve as an enduring reminder of her legacy. Tranquil, fragrant and romantic, this idyllic garden is as timeless and beautiful as Princess Grace Herself.
