Marrakech: the pearl of southern Morocco

Now served by several low cost airlines, Marrakech, few hours europe, has become an affordable weekend destination. you are a sun lover? fan of exotic break? Partying all night with the jet set? Marrakech will amaze you each visit: at once familiar and elusive, chaotic and ungovernable, the red city has everything to enchant the visitor.
Spoil yourself and sleep in a setting worthy of the Arabian Nights. Push the door of a riad, it's a bit like stepping into a dream. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses in the medina. Completely closed to the outside, they are organized around a central patio, in the Arab-Andalusian style. The riads were all restored in 80-90 years, often by strangers who have sensed the potential of such places. It is a haven of peace in the heart of the bustle of the medina. Often luxurious - and not always affordable - riads are usually tastefully decorated using traditional techniques Tadelakt (lime plaster) and Zelliges (ceramic tiles).

It's on foot that we must discover the medina without fear of getting lost in her womb. anyway, you will lose your way ... but you will find it, do not panic! Well preserved, the medina is surrounded by ramparts. Built by the Almoravids in the twelfth century, it is now a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Venture into the maze of streets to discover the lifestyle of the popular Marrakech souks between agitation and calm refreshing fountains, sheltered from the high walls of the riads and palaces. Medina has several architectural jewels like Ben Youssef Madrasa. This former Koranic school, built in the sixteenth century, is a magnificent Arab-Andalusian style, beautifully decorated.

Other gems of the medina, the El-Mansour mosque minaret deploys its tracery in diamonds turquoise color, with, in his garden, the Saadian Tombs of the Kings. Nearby, the Bahia Palace offers a wonderful example of Moroccan XIXth century.

The souks, north of the Jemaa el Fna, is the major attraction of Marrakech. They are among the best in the Arab world. Riot of colors, scents, sounds, sensations ... No need to be a fan of haggling to succumb! Do not hesitate to venture out on his own, setting up a tourist brigade having significantly reduces the risk of harassment. 

The souks, which include more than 40 000 local artisans, are classified by business and neighborhoods. Do not miss the souk Ahiak (tissues), Chouari (basket maker, wood turners) Haddadine (blacksmiths), Smata (slippers), Rabia (carpet) and El Kebir (leather workers). Otherwise you will find anywhere stalls and funduq (caravanserai) filled with bric-a-brac further apart. In short, a real Aladdin's cave! And do not forget: mandatory bargaining!

You have to go late in the afternoon on one of the terraces of coffee (Hotel Café France or Glacier) dominating the Jemaa el Fna, one of the most fascinating urban sites in the world  . It was at this time that the place really becomes alive with street vendors who move but also storytellers, fortune tellers, snake charmers, the Gnawa musicians, healers ... We could spend hours gazing at this incredible human fauna, this street theater of the most sensational. Later, still on Jemaa el Fna, dozens of restaurants serving street food of all kinds (soups, tagines, grilled ...) at rock bottom prices. Sitting on wooden benches, diners in smoke from braziers and noise from the crowd. Intoxicating, even if we do not serve alcohol ... After cross the Jemaa el Fna to admire the illuminated Koutoubia. This famous minaret, Marrakech icon, was built in the twelfth century and was the model for the Giralda in Seville. Nothing less.

Your palate is too delicate for stands of the Jemaa el Fna? Marrakech is full of good restaurants where you can indulge in the delights of tagine, couscous, keftas and delicious pigeon pastilla. Some restaurants in the Medina are located in traditional buildings like ksours (Ksar Essaoussan) the funduq (The Foundouk) or riads (Dar Zellij, La Villa Nomade). The pleasure of food is compounded by an enchanting setting. What more?

To end the evening, the possibilities are endless. We can even come to Marrakech only to party and have fun in the heat of the night Marrakchi.

source: www.routard.com