In summer, the Princess Grace Rose Garden reveals itself at its most enchanting. Thousands of roses burst into full bloom, their colours unfolding in layered shades of ivory, blush, crimson and gold, creating a living tapestry that feels almost painterly. The air carries a soft, unmistakable fragrance, at once delicate and immersive, turning a simple stroll into a sensory experience.
Set in the tranquil district of Fontvieille, just moments from the Mediterranean, the garden benefits from a gentle sea breeze that enhances its freshness even on the warmest days. Palm trees and shaded pathways offer welcome refuge, while carefully designed arches and pergolas frame the roses in ever-changing perspectives.
There is also something quietly democratic about its beauty. Open to the public free of charge and accessible at all hours, the garden invites both early risers and evening wanderers to experience its charm, whether in the soft light of morning or as the sun dips behind the Principality.
In a country known for glamour and spectacle, this rose-filled haven offers something more intimate: a place where nature, memory and elegance meet, and where summer in Monaco can be felt as much as seen.
The history of its creation and its recent jubilee
Nestled in the heart of the Fontvieille district, the Princess Grace Rose Garden was inaugurated on June 18, 1984, by Prince Rainier III in memory of Princess Grace, a timeless icon of elegance and grace. Four decades later, the garden remains a living testament to her legacy, captivating visitors with its serene beauty and vibrant blooms.
To mark this milestone, a celebratory event took place on May 3, 2024, led by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and H.R.H. the Princess of Hanover. Attendees, including government representatives and members of the Friends of the Princess Grace Rose Garden Association, enjoyed a host of activities that highlighted the garden’s history and enduring appeal. A photo exhibition retraced the creation and transformation of the garden over the years, while children from the Prince Albert II Leisure Centre delighted in sensory activities such as repotting and treasure hunts. The unveiling of a striking rose-tipped green wall shaped into the number 40 served as the centrepiece of the celebration.
The origins of the rose garden reflect Prince Rainier III’s vision of a tranquil space combining English garden design with Mediterranean character. When it first opened, the garden featured 4,000 rose bushes across 3,000 square metres. Over time, nearly 50 donors from around the world contributed 168 varieties of roses, forming a rich tapestry of colour and fragrance. Notable features included century-old olive trees and a bronze statue of Princess Grace, sculpted in 1983 by Kees Verkade, which still stands at the garden’s heart.
Major Expansion of the Garden
In 2000, the garden underwent its first major expansion, adding 500 square metres and increasing its collection to 5,500 rose bushes. By 2012, plans for modernization were underway, leading to a significant redesign for the 30th anniversary. The updated space, inaugurated in 2014, embraced both tradition and innovation. Iconic elements like the majestic gates bearing Princess Grace’s monogram and the Verkade sculpture were preserved, while modern features such as a water wall and bronze fountain introduced refreshing new dimensions. Accessibility was also prioritized, with the removal of enclosing hedges and extended hours making the garden open to visitors day and night.
Sustainable Gardening
The garden’s environmental stewardship has become a defining characteristic of its management. Guided by sustainable practices, the gardeners employ water recycling, avoid chemical pesticides, and rely on natural pest control methods like ladybirds. These efforts earned the garden the Espace Végétal Ecologique (EVE) certification, reflecting its commitment to ecological responsibility.
Monthly events showcase the life cycle of roses, guided tours by the dedicated gardeners reveal the garden’s secrets, and tastings of rose-inspired sweets will delight the senses. Educational, ecological and sensory engagement with the roses remains consistent over the years. Visitors also may, on selected occasions, take part in a treasure hunt through the garden, particularly during special events and themed programming.
8th Monaco International Competition of New Roses
At the 8th Monaco International Competition of New Roses, held at the Princess Grace Rose Garden on April 30, 2026, the German-bred rose Simsalabim (KORnekcraz) was awarded the prestigious Piaget Rose Trophy, highlighting the continued strength of Kordes’ breeding programme. French entries also stood out in the sensory categories, with Perugino Oralipar winning the Fragrance Cup and Meiconfiz receiving the Friends of the Princess Grace Rose Garden’s Favourite award.
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Princess Grace Rose Garden is more than a botanical marvel; it is a living monument to love, memory, and sustainability. Its blooms, cultivated with care and creativity, mirror the enduring beauty of the Princess whose name it bears. As it enters its fifth decade, the garden continues to enchant, educate, and inspire — a timeless symbol of Monaco’s dedication to art, nature, and legacy.
Avenue des Guelfes, 98000 Monaco
Open 7 days 24 h /24
https://roseraie.mc/
Perfect Roses
This Roses List encapsulates just some of the essence of the Princess Grace Rose Garden.
1. Princess Grace de Monaco Rose
A sumptuous rose created by Meilland, the world-famous rose breeder, for the princely wedding of Grace and Rainier in 1956 bears the name of the Princess — “Grace de Monaco”. With its strongly scented petals and silvery highlights, this flower blooming beautifully in the Mediterranean gardens conquered Grace’s heart who confessed: “This is the most beautiful of all my wedding gifts”.
2. Princess of Monaco Rose
There is in fact another rose that became a personal tribute to Princess Grace. In 1981, it was presented at the legendary Bal de la Rose. A pearly white, hemmed with vermilion, this marvel in the Monegasque flag colours immediately seduced the Princess. The rose was to be called “Preference”. But it was baptized “Princess of Monaco” instead.
3. Prince Rainier III Rose
A Legacy of Love: The warm red-orange blooms symbolize the enduring love and partnership between Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III, a cornerstone of Monaco’s royal story.
4. Peace Rose
Grace’s Advocacy for Peace: Renowned globally for its historical significance, this rose created in World War II now echoes Princess Grace’s humanitarian spirit and her advocacy for harmony, making it a symbolic choice for the garden.
5. Prince Albert II de Monaco Rose
A Royal Legacy in Bloom: Dedicated to Prince Albert II, its uniquely coloured blooms blend shades of cherry-red, violet, pink and ivory-white. This elegant rose symbolizes the continuation of the values Princess Grace brought to Monaco … dignity, compassion and timeless refinement. Its luminous blooms evoke the warmth and grace that defined the Princess throughout her life, while reflecting the enduring bond between the Grimaldi family and the Roseraie that preserves her memory today.
Each rose mirrors a chapter of Princess Grace’s life and her legacy, weaving a floral narrative that continues to captivate visitors and preserve her memory for generations. These blooms are the heart of the Princess Grace Rose Garden, a living monument to beauty, love, and Monaco’s rich history.
A Touch of Humour
One humorous story involving Princess Grace and roses is often told by those who worked with her at Roc Agel, her private countryside retreat. It is a blend of anecdotes commonly shared about her down-to-earth personality and love of gardening.
Known for her hands-on approach to gardening, Princess Grace loved tending to her roses personally, often spending hours pruning and arranging blooms.
On one occasion, the story goes, she invited a guest to admire her prized roses. As the guest strolled through the garden, Grace stopped abruptly and noticed a stubborn thorny stem sticking out awkwardly from one of the bushes. Without hesitation, she reached for her trusty pruning shears and went to work. However, the guest, apparently unfamiliar with gardening, mistook her for one of the gardeners.
“Would you mind if I ask where the Princess is?” the guest asked Grace, clearly unaware of whom they were speaking to.
With her characteristic humour and charm, Grace smiled and replied, “Oh, she’s around here somewhere — probably inspecting my work!”
It wasn’t until returning to the house that the guest realized the “gardener” was none other than Princess Grace herself. The mix-up, it is said, is a favourite anecdote among those close to Princess Grace, capturing her down-to-earth nature and playful sense of humour. It also highlighted her genuine passion for roses, showing she was not above getting her hands dirty in pursuit of their beauty.
The Rose Ball
The origin of the Monaco Rose Ball (Bal de la Rose) is closely tied to the glamour, grace, and cultural influence of Princess Grace. Her involvement elevated it into one of the most iconic charity galas in the world.
She was deeply involved in the preparations for the ball, often overseeing the selection of roses for the grand displays. On one occasion, the story goes, she insisted on personally arranging a centrepiece of rare roses flown in from France, but a mishap ensued. The blooms, meant to arrive the night before the gala, were delayed at the border due to customs paperwork. Always resourceful, Grace called on a local Monegasque gardener, who managed to supply enough roses from nearby gardens for her to create a beautiful, improvised display just in time. Her dedication made the event even more meaningful.
Magnificent arrangements of roses continue the tradition. Renowned designers and florists, such as Karl Lagerfeld during his time as artistic director, have created lavish installations featuring up to 25,000 roses or more, sourced from top growers around the world.
Monaco Garden Club
Did you know that Princess Grace was the creator of the Monaco Garden Club? Respect and passion for flowers was anchored in her heart. Princess Grace once famously said, “When I took time to look into the heart of a flower, it opened up a whole new world; a world where every walk would be an adventure, where every garden would become an enchanted garden”.
Journalist for Hello Monaco, Nicole Laffont remembers: “I remember an encounter with the Princess one day, in the rose gardens of Villa Sauber, the National Museum of Monaco. She was gently caressing the petals, marvelling at the beauty of rose bushes. She honoured me with a few words, announcing the International Bouquet Competition that she initiated while presiding over the Monaco Garden Club (she created it in 1968).” This extremely refined event allows aesthetes and flower lovers to compete with all their imagination and inventiveness. The contestants are asked to make floral arrangements, some of which are nothing short of genuine plant sculptures.
200.000 Orchids
They say that Princess Grace received some 200,000 orchids from all around the world at the birth of her son, Albert, on March 14, 1958. A legend, perhaps, based on her unconditional passion for flowers and bouquets.
