Within a picturesque landscape not far from Paris there is a corner of France where time seems to have stopped. Rose that bloom in waterfalls, historical architectures and atmospheres of other centuries intertwine in what is recognized as the most tiny inhabited center of the entire nation, in fact it has only 95 inhabitants, but has been included in the most beautiful villages in France.
Gerberoy, in the heart of the Oise Department in Picardia, is strategically found in the center of a triangle formed by Beauvais, Rouen and Amiens. Sun two hours from the French capital, this village presents visitors a scenario of ancient dwellings with pastel shades, embellished with infinite varieties of roses that have led to their fame.
Counted among the most fascinating villages in France, Gerberoy represents an essential destination for those looking for an authentic experience far from crowded metropolises. The most suggestive period for a visit is undoubtedly spring, when the roses spread their delicate perfume in the air and the village turns into a palette of colored shades ranging from pink to intense red.
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The story of Gerberoy
Behind floral sweetness there is a turbulent history that can be discovered by visiting the municipal museum hosted in the building of the ancient town hall of the eighteenth century. Here there are documents that tell the past of Gerberoy, the scene of conflicts during the hundred years of war.
The village suffered numerous devastation over the centuries due to wars and invasions. Despite his strategic position he had made him predictable residence by sovereigns such as Louis XIII and Henry IV, Gerberoy crossed a decline phase, gradually losing his original splendor.
The rebirth occurred only in the twentieth century thanks to the intervention of the painter Henri Le Sidaner, which transformed the remains of the ancient fortress into a house surrounded by three magnificent flowery gardens. Its influence extended to the other inhabitants who, keeping the Norman style typical of the region, restored the ancient houses of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, making Gerberoy the enchanting place that we can admire today.
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The city of roses
Also known as the “city of roses”, Gerberoy is a place where flowers in all their nuances merge harmoniously with the antiquity of homes. To completely appreciate the essence of the village, it is advisable to travel the Rue du Logis-Du-Roy, the main access, visit the majestic church of Saint-Pierre dating back to the 10th century and the museum dedicated to Henri Le Sidaner.
Among the historical houses that overlook the flowering roads, the one at number 6 deserve particular attention, known as the House of Henry IV, and the Bleue Maison, a construction of 1691 that stands out for its characteristic blue shade. Along the vidamé, instead an imposing eighteenth -century palace surrounded by spectacular gardens stands.
However, the real attraction of Gerberoy remains the painter’s house-museum Le Sidaner and the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre, a Romanesque sanctuary reconstructed in the fifteenth century after being destroyed during the British incursions. The Church dominates the landscape with its grandeur, as if to protect the houses and gardens that surround it.
The garden of Henri Le Sidaner represents the climax of the floral experience, with its terraces and delicate pastel shades that create an almost fairytale atmosphere. At the dawn of the 1900s, fascinated by the intact beauty of the village, the artist established his home there. The Sidaner, famous for its refined use of light and color, created a splendid garden here, a living work of art where art and nature blend perfectly.
Its garden, structured on three levels, offers a chromatic symphony with flowers, shrubs and hidden corners, inspiring serenity and creativity.
To celebrate this floral tradition, Every first weekend of June The village hosts the Fête de la Rose, an event that enhances the beauty of the roses with exhibitions, concerts and shows.
How to reach Gerberoy
Gerberoy is located about 130 km from Paris. From Gare du Nord it is possible to take a train to Beauvais (a journey of about an hour and a half) and continue with a bus to their destination in about 40 minutes.
For those who prefer to travel independently, the automobile option allows you to travel the A16 motorway towards Amiens, exit at Beauvais Center and follow the D901 to Gerberoy, for a total journey of about an hour and a half from the capital.
It is important to remember that Gerberoy is a pedestrian village: those who arrive by car will have to park in the large green space located at the entrance of the village.
