The start of the school year doesn’t have to mean falling back into the “commute-work-sleep” routine. In early September, the Rose Gardens of Le Roeulx offer a floral escape instead, with thousands of rose bushes and a program that goes far beyond a simple botanical stroll. For two days, the site invites visitors to stroll, observe, take photos, and even vote for their favorite rose.
A true open-air collection
On September 5 and 6, 3,500 rose bushes and more than 700 varieties will take over the Roeulx Rose Gardens, located behind the former Saint-Jacques Hospital. The site also hosts the Royal International New Rose Competition: some of the varieties on display therefore offer a glimpse of the roses that may well bloom in the gardens of tomorrow. Guided tours are held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, and at 11 a.m. on Sunday, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the competition and providing insight into how new varieties are selected.
Roses, music, and little treasures
But the festival clearly isn’t just about romance. Visitors can vote for the prettiest and most fragrant rose as part of the People’s Choice Award, enter a photo contest, or take home a rose bush. Children can also try their hand at floral art, while craft booths, exhibitions, local products, food trucks, and a bar will liven up the stroll. As for the atmosphere, concerts and street performances are also on the program, notably featuring Kalypso Nation on Saturday and Madame RéGalle on Sunday.
So, who wouldn’t want to take a little flower-filled getaway to extend summer just a little longer before fall?
📍 Address: Jardins des Roses, Faubourg de Binche 1, 7070 Le Roeulx
📆 Dates: Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
