Marrakech, The Pearl of the South
A pearl is revealed in the desert, surrounded by snow-capped Atlas mountains. Marrakesh is a magical city, and transports you to another world. The Djemaa El Fna in green Majorelle Gardens, all in return reflect an experience that does not leave unchanged.
The town red
If Marrakech is now famous for its luxurious hotels and a dream vacation it offers us, it is primarily a city of history, part of which is world heritage of UNESCO. At the crossroads of cultures, which is on Berber and Arab nomads, Marrakech has behind it a ten centuries of turbulent history, which traces left in the city participate in its present charm.
The ocher of imposing ramparts which surround Marrakech gives his nickname "Red City". They remind us the past of this city, which has long served as a fortified stronghold, refuge for Saharan caravans. You can visit the doors that punctuate these 19km of fortifications, but it is their shape along the horizon that will print in the memories of the traveler a weekend. Koutoubia, rising in the heart of the city, is the symbol of Marrakech. With its 77 meter high minaret, this mosque is one of the largest in the Arab world. As in all mosques, the entry is forbidden to non-Muslims.
While this overview of the city has piqued your curiosity, you can meet in the city's museums, including the Museum of Marrakech, which presents the Moroccan cultural heritage through its traditional arts. The Saadian tombs visit, a vestige of the power and sophistication of the Saadian dynasty, which reigned supreme with Marrakech from 1524 to 1659, is also interesting.
The cool end of the day will make a pleasant walk to the Menara, this large pool fed waters of the Atlas and the Saadian pavilion that borders are the Menara a majestic place where the Moroccans like to gather to enjoy a moment of calm and relaxation.
This is the sunset as the city wakes. Marrakech and its inhabitants were transformed into an extravaganza worthy of the Arabian Nights. Jemaa El Fna square, bustling animation, is the cultural and social center of Marrakech, at night it takes on a different flavor, and as the restaurants stand in the place, it is transformed. Heat drops, life returns more beautiful. Snake charmers, monkey tamers and water vendors are found on the place, mixing an ancient culture in a flood of tourists, yet nothing that does not spoil the authenticity and the magic of the place. The excitement that reigns over the place is intoxicating. When mingled odors, flavors and music, all your senses come alive.
The souks, which originate in the square in Marrakech are essential: they are the delight of tourists, who like to stroll by getting lost in this incredible maze of alleys lined with stalls. The potters' quarter that of tanners through the carpenters, you will undoubtedly good business, but the words are primarily stroll and relax. Good humor and enthusiasm of traders are staggering, but let you take the game of bargaining.
A wellness break
The Majorelle Gardens are an oasis, a haven of coolness amid the bustle of the city. Since the 20s, they reflect the originality and creativity of their creator, the French painter Jacques Majorelle. Renovated by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, they have lost none of their charm, and lush vegetation makes an island of coolness and calm, ideal for a relaxing stroll.
Since wandering, rhythmic enchantment and discovery will stay, why not continue by agreeing a relaxing time in a Moroccan hammam true?
Every neighborhood has several. For maximum comfort, go to the luxurious hotels of steam: the city has dozens. There are also popular hammams, located in the alleys of the medina. Delivery is totally different: a significant promiscuity, few treatments available, and often questionable hygiene.
A visit to the steam remains in all cases an experience unparalleled rest and relaxation. Admission is between 3 euros (for the most popular) and 30 euros for one of the most luxurious service.
