Finding the Factory
This factory is not easy to find, but easy and nearby once you get directions. It is very near the giant Rodon (meaning rose) hotel where we stayed, on the walk downhill to the shops and restaurants.
Rival Rose Co-operative
When driving, you see the giant arch over the side road. When you walk back, you first find the co-operative. See the arch to the cul-de sac on the main road through the village. When we arrived after 4 pm in the afternoon they were shut. I photographed every side of their attractive building.
Supermarket Sales
We then stopped to photograph the pretty domed Orthodox church on the main road by the entrance. I popped into the mini-market (small supermarket) opposite. I bought as souvenirs for myself and family or friends back in the UK some inexpensive products from the co-operative (described and with photos in the previous post).
I asked a supermarket staff member or passer-by to confirm the hours of the co-op. They pointed out that the person sitting outside the church drinking was the owner of the family-owned Rose factory (Chris) which was still open and he (Chris) would take us to it.)
It then become immediately clear that the factory was a rival to the co-op. Why no sign to the rose factory on the corner? The owner, Chris, smiled and shrugged. He had placed a sign there, but 'somebody had removed this sign'.
We followed his car down the cul-de sac to the end where we found his factory. Chris is a tall man.
He pointed out the roses on the hillside outside. The petals must be picked in the morning. Each flower lasts one day. It is processed immediately to extract the perfume. He has miles of roses, more than you can see.
He then took us on a guided tour. We saw the machinery, and tried syrup, wine and spirits, all from roses. He enthused about his company's success, its growth, its sales, its status, awards and the many mentions in the media, in magazines, radio and TV.
Finally, we ended up free to peruse products in the shop where his wife was managing the till.
I am not keen on candles, which I consider a fire risk, but if you like candles they are a colourful gift for yourself or others.
We settled for hand creams and beverages.
Useful Websites
email: info@venus-rose.com
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