This Dreamy rose landscape is where I am going to take you today.
The "Rose Valley" is a region, in my birth country Bulgaria. Its located south of the Balkan Mountains and the eastern part of the lower " Middle Forest" chain to the south.
Not a lot of people actually know this but The Rose Valley produces 85% of the world's rose oil.
This Rose - growing industry has been cultivated in this region for centuries, giving some of the best quality rose products. It is no wonder why Thierry Wasser, Guerlain's famous perfumer, regularly visits The Valley and loves it there.
As the Valley spreads on a significant area hugged by The Balkan, the center of the Roses is Kazanlak City, followed by not less important Rose cities: Karlovo, Sopot, Kalofer, and Pavel Bath.
These cities are also rich hubs of the country's history and heritage. If you visit, which I recommend, You will see that a big part of the architecture there is kept as it was from the town's birth.
Each Year People from all parts of the world, that are familiar with this region, travel to the Valley to witness the Rose Festival in its peak Harvest time, which is from May to June.
The harvest itself is a very difficult process that requires a great deal of patience. It can take hours and trust me it is exhausting. The flowers are carefully cut one by one and laid in willow-baskets which are then sent to the distilleries.
I should also say that if you decide to give it a try in your spring/summer travels, you won't regret it.
It is great fun and the smell of roses is in the air all the time. Locals even produce rose jam. So by the end of your stay, you might be even dreaming roses in your sleep.
The Valley is great for walks and if you catch the sunset you are in for a treat.
Do not be shy and do take part in festival activities. It will be a lifetime memory and the locals will treat you to a lot of gifts as they love the enthusiasm from visitors.
In the picture above you can see some of the local traditional costumes. Different areas of the country, these would vary in detail and often villagers will participate in costume making competitions.
This is Roza Hotel( Rose Hotel) where you can accommodate during the harvest months. Sometimes some of the locals will offer you a room in their own houses, which of course is a cheaper option for your next visit, so make sure to make friends while there.
Back to Guerlain and Thierry Wasser. Not so long ago, while I was searching for rose-based perfumes I found " Idylle" Guerlains creation that most certainly intrigued me a lot.
The main base ingredient was sourced by Thierry Wasser exactly in the Rose Valley of my country I just had to have this perfume and try it out.
Idylle opens with a shower of flowers, a fresh and joyful bouquet composed of lily of the valley, peony, freesia, and white lilac.
The heart reveals a jasmine mixed with a blend of Bulgarian roses.
The base adds a sensual chypre accord composed of patchouli and white musks.
The perfume represents the Idyllic romantic drops of time that occur in our life.
As soon as I tried it, I really loved how warm and flowery it is.
Guerlain also offers it in its signature Bee Bottles which are oh so super cute.
Happy Shopping!
Leave a comment and share in which fragrance you have discovered a Bulgarian rose.
What other Rose fragrances you have tried and love, maybe from France, Britain or another location?
