I was in Paris a few years ago during springtime and bought some amazing roses from a florist. They were long-stemmed, deep red and velvety, perfectly bloomed and lasted for more than a week in a vase. Does anyone know this rose variety? I've been asking many rose enthusiasts but yet to find the answer.

Anyone?

They sound like a classic hybrid tea rose. Abraham Lincoln is one such.

Might be called "Mr. Lincoln".

Thanks Gretchen. I have a Mr Lincoln in my garden but it's not quite the same. I am beginning to wonder if the roses were chemically treated or gamma-rayed.

Is it a florist rose? They usually have no scent and bloom a long time, which is why they are sold in shops. Mr Lincoln is a hybrid tea and sure doesn`t last a week in a vase.

Flowers can be spray painted.

they sound like either Grand Prix or Passion. Passion are large flowers. Both are florists roses. Or maybe Amore, a small flowering rose.
You could have a look at http://www.rozen.com/ a Dutch rose grower, the catalogue (a PDF file) is in English with pictures.

Most of the roses sold in florist shops aren't readily available as garden roses, as the qualities that make them appropriate for gift giving don't translate so well to the garden.

I would assume that the roses used in Paris primarily come from the Netherlands, but a good longlasting florist rose here (with very "velvety" petals and a lovely color) are the Opium variety. There are many, many kinds of red roses, mostly from South America if you're in the US.

Hope you find what you're looking for!

Thanks everyone. I think I'll just have to make another trip to Paris in the springtime!