A long weekend in Marrakech

Marrakech

Dominated by the Atlas mountains, the imperial city of Marrakech is an ideal destination for a long weekend, preferably in the spring or fall for an ideal climate. You will surely be captivated by the vibrant Medina of colors and smells spicy, where you can wander and discover the bustling souks, but also many historical and cultural sites, and find for a night or two of quiet and out of the riads time away from the hustle and bustle of merchants. Impossible not to succumb to the many charms of the town red .

* WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MARRAKECH ?

Jemaa el Fna is of course the obvious place for any traveler who arrives in Marrakech: although it has lost some of its scenic attractions of yore (missing the tooth pullers ... but does he regret it? ), you will find happiness with snake charmers, stalls to eat boiled snails, sellers of orange juice, Gnawa dancers wearing tassels swirling, storytellers and acrobats ... The show is permanent, and s' accompanied backfiring engine mopeds crossing in all directions instead of all day: be careful, watch your step! Another place you can not miss, souks ... Get lost in the endless maze of narrow streets shaded by palm roofs, and open your eyes wide on the many small shops and craft workshops where men crouched and concentrated to make you the most diverse objects: musical instruments, lanterns, trays, slippers, jewelry, carpets; haggle and chat over tea, admire the traditional skills of ironworkers or luthiers, let yourself guided by chance in this parallel world and exhilarating ... You can not miss either the Koutoubia Mosque with its (closed to non-Muslims) and its minaret whose song of the muezzin rises 5 times a day, giving the unfolding of life in Marrakech its particular rhythm. Admire the proportions of this minaret 70 meters, with its Moorish-style decorations, and the surrounding gardens, a haven of peace amid the hubbub of the city. Only part of the Bahia Palace is open to the public, but still well worth the time, because the palace is one of the key pieces of Moroccan architecture: it extends over 8,000 m2, and you can admire ceilings painted and gilded wood, accented with fine marquetry also as lace, moucharabiehs skillfully pierced, then you will then refresh yourself in its orange trees and jasmine, and serenaded by the sound of fountains gardens ... The Majorelle Garden, much more recent, is not less a place apart, and you certainly will enjoy the colorful serenity acquired in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent, it comes from this space a nice impression of harmony between various plants, bougainvillea, bamboo, cactus, and violent, vivid colors yellow and blue, the planters or walls ... A stop full of freshness and light. Menara: another garden, just outside the city this time: planted 40 varieties of olive trees, the garden features a pond that serves as a reservoir, fed by the waters coming from the mountains. The pavilion pyramid green was once the summer palace of the Sultan Ab dar-Rahman, and its reflection in the calm waters of the basin provides always the same feeling of serenity walkers who come to these places to cool off in the away from the city.

* ACTIVITIES TO CHARGE

Whether in the medina or in the new city, Marrakech walking tour of preference (though to avoid if it's too hot!). Walks in the souks you will walk miles without noticing, but you can also walk in or on Mohamed V Avenue to discover the chic boutiques of this modern area neighborhood wintering. Let yourself be carried away by the sensual pleasures of the hammam, this is what you must try when visiting Marrakech: your hotel or riad offers perhaps the benefit, but if this is not the case, you can safely find a facility at your convenience throughout the city. You choose between a luxury or institute a traditional hammam, where you will devote steam after a full body scrub, followed by a soothing massage by magic hands. And you probably can do without! Golf enthusiasts will find the magnificent gates of the city land, especially the Royal Golf, which offers sumptuous setting for beginners and experienced golfers. With snowy peaks in the background! How about a stroll camel? This is possible in the palm grove, where you will visit and the surrounding countryside with traditional villages engaged in their daily business. In two hours, you will discover the surroundings of the city, housed in the traditional cheich will protect you from the sun, and take tea in an authentic setting. A different approach that will leave an unforgettable memory.

* MARRAKECH IN PRACTICE

Transportation Getting there: Airport Menara is an international airport located 6 kilometers from the city center. You can find regular flights from Paris, but also in Marseille, Bordeaux, Lyon, Toulouse. Getting around the city: In the Medina, you can travel by walking on the narrow lanes. For the rest of the city, taxis (small or large) are legion, and they will know better than you avoid scooters and other motorcycles plying the streets at high speed by using the horn without counting! Moving into a cultural monument site, you can use the bus to imperial red with a day pass. For the most romantic, carriages drawn by horses will take you around the city walls or take you to your hotel in the Wintering to the entrance to the medina.

Accommodation 

Conventional hotels located primarily in Gueliz or in the neighborhood of the Wintering, with every comfort, and often a pool. But it would be a shame not to try it riad: these traditional houses of the medina, built around a central courtyard, are now converted into cottages, and you can stay calm and cool while staying in the heart of the city. Prices vary depending on the services offered. In general, it can also have lunch and dinner there. 

Feed

The stalls of the Jemaa el Fna and eateries that dot the medina, you will easily find what taste local specialties for modest sums: pastilla, couscous, kebabs, tagines, kofta. Do not forget to ask small pancakes served at breakfast and delicious pastries with honey, like the famous horned gazelles. There are also more conventional restaurants in Gueliz, with menus sometimes a little too "Westernized". To reserve for the less adventurous ... or more fragile! 

Where to go 

Marrakech also saw the night: bars and restaurants that turn into nightclubs or discos like Pacha Marrakech connected or Black Diamond, night owls will no doubt find their happiness. If you are lucky enough to be present during the International Film Festival, you can watch outdoor screenings at the Jemaa el Fna. 

Shopping 

The souks of course be your first shopping destination: you the many and varied objects obtained after hours of haggling punctuated with jokes and gallons of mint tea! But most demanding can also purchase their favorite brands in the shops of the new town, where you can settle with the credit card at much higher prices.

Budget 

Recommended periods, that is to say, the spring and fall, the plane tickets are a little high, you can find back and forth at least € 200 for mid-October if you are Take early. For three nights in a double room riad Hadika Maria (for example) it will cost you € 165. Around 150 € for two meals without depriving yourself but favoring local specialties, and a hundred extra euros for outings and shopping in the souks. Here's an extended weekend which amounts to about 800 € for two! A change of scenery at a reasonable cost .