Tetouan

Tetouan is a city in northern Morocco 60km from Tangier, and more 280.000 habitants -Location chief of the province. on the northern slopes of the Rif, near the Mediterranean.
Located in an agricultural region, Tetouan is a trade center for agricultural products and handicrafts. Its industries are particularly cement and fish canneries. She lives and crafts of tourism. It forms a sharp contrast with the modern city marked by the Spanish imprint The city was founded in the fourteenth century? Mérinide Sultan Abu Thabet looking to recover the city of Ceuta to built the walled city of Tétawine. After several battles theSpanish landed in the city and destroying the city was rebuilt in the fifteenth century. Following the fall of Granada Muslim immigrants expelled from Spain settled in Tetouan. Tetouan was the capital of Spanish Morocco from 1915 to 1956.
To enter the Medina of Tetouan and cross its ramparts. we have a choice of seven beautifully carved doors. Our only guide as inspiration, alleys exude a delicious coolness, the buildings decorated with ceramics. The wrought iron balconies of the white houses of the great Spanish tradition.
Here we are again immersed in the inevitable story of the great era Hispano-Moorish.
The great palace of the Caliphate, built in the seventeenth century under the reign of Moulay Ismail, and a real proof. Enter this patio jasmine smell good, listen to the singing fountains, let yourself carried away by the melody that reminds you of Andalusia

To visit:

The Medina of Tetouan

It occupies the eyes of specialists first place in all the medinas of Morocco. This means its size, quality and care provided to never pervert its authenticity.
She kept an Andalusian soul that made ​​her the most Moorish Moroccan cities.

To access it, simply go to the site Hassan II (Feddane); East of this place, in a doorway, begins the street Hadj Ahmed Torres which opens into the medina.
The Moorish style takes on its full dimension, especially in residential neighborhoods where wrought iron windows give any expression to these thick pristine facades.

Souk Al-houte

Charming little square planted some trees where you can enjoy the beauty of the eyes exposed pottery on the shelves.
A few meters away, street jewelers unveils its multiple charms in the form of craft items likely to succumb the most demanding.

The tanners' souk

This is the fabric market. In the Medina of Tetouan, the Guersa el Kébira is the domain of the merchants of fabrics and clothes. The fabrics combed, united, precious and bordered are a real wonder.

The colors and the materials seem infinitely varied and compose a living picture under your eyes. In the center of the square, women of the Rif dressed in their costumes are seated behind stalls packed with pieces of red, white and blue striped fabrics.

The Royal Palace

Returning to Hassan II Square (Feddane), you will notice the Royal Palace built in the 17th century. The important restoration work which he had to undergo at the beginning of the 20th century did not alter his Spanish-Moorish character. A large square of Mechouar has been built in the center of the palis. It is the square on which the main festivals take place, in which the king participates, and which also ensures the security of the sovereign and his entourage.

Souk El Fouki

The Tetouan souks compete with those of other cities. Souk El Fouki is known as "place au pain". Numerous workshops open to your visit perpetuate the tradition of the gesture and the careful work to many highly motivated children. They learn here the weaving, the brassware, the engraving on metals, the work and the painting of the wood, the mosaic or the ceramics so that the tradition lives. In the middle, many stalls offer you the traditional round and flat loaves that exude a delicious smell throughout the neighborhood.

Tetouan Beach

Taking the road to Ceuta, many golden sandy beaches are furnished as well as many hotels that have been designed with a constant concern in the landscape.

Restaurants and resorts are plentiful. Give yourself the pleasure of tasting a few steps from the beautiful beach, beautiful fish, fresh out of the sea by the fishermen who face the sea on flimsy or esquis taganabout.

You can certainly spend a few pleasant days relaxing by the sea in Cabo Negro, Kabila, in Marina Smir for example.

Riad al Ochak

Not to mention the "Riad al Ochak" (Lovers Garden) where we can dream for hours in the calm and cool of this small cafe deep in the cave.

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SAIDIA BEACH

North of Morocco on the Mediterranean coast is a treasure: Saidia beach. Only 2h30 flight between airports in Paris and Oujda Angads you will find a little paradise for an unforgettable holiday !

The town of Saidia, founded in 1883 by Sultan Hassan I, is also called "The Blue Pearl" in connection with its turquoise blue sea and its 14 miles of sandy beach.

In Saidia, we find it just as authentic as the ultramodern. Be seduced by the Kasbah downtown with its festival of artisans.

The city center is surrounded by a beautiful beach huts where you host the waterfront for a rest well deserves! If you prefer to move so let's go for a ride on a jet ski !
Along the beach, Boulevard Mohamed V offers a wide selection of restaurants and cafes. There has to be enjoyed.


Direct access by bus, take a walk on the side of the Marina. And yes, Saidia is the third largest harbor in the Mediterranean !
Magnificent views of boats of all countries ... But that's not all! Mediterrania Saidia The complex is also five star hotels, several golf park and a shopping center that is worth seeing.
In short, Saidia is THE beach where it will be !! So enjoy your trip!

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AGADIR

Agadir, a city of 600,000 residents, is known to be the closest seaside resort of Europe. The exceptional site of the city includes a beautiful bay, the sunniest in the world. 20 km of beach rejoice all year thousands of vacationers, even in winter. European city par excellence, Agadir has the largest hotel park Morocco.
Located between the peaks of the High Atlas, the Souss is an extremely fertile area called "orchard of Morocco". With vegetable and fruit crops in the eye, the Souss's main outlet international port of Agadir. No wonder the city has long been called "the port of the Souss" and is today the largest port in Morocco after Casablanca.
Almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake in February 1960, Agadir was rebuilt as a modern city plan. You've got it, do not go to Agadir to discover traditional Moroccan city, but rather to enjoy the beach and trips to the region, particularly in the Souss Massa National Park.

City History

Probably founded by the Berbers, Agadir immediately attracts sailors along its coast. Bay sheltered from the wind, fertile land and fresh water source (the "founty"), Agadir has it all. In 1505, the Portuguese established a trading post there and build a port.

In 1541, the Saadian Sultan Mohammed Sheikh, interested in Agadir strategic position to control the "Golden Road", captured the city. In the seventeenth century, Agadir is controlled by the Berbers.

In 1760, Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Alawi is jealous of that port trade with Europe. He built the port of Essaouira a hundred kilometers north to divert European trade. It is a blow to Agadir and the city gradually depopulated. In the early twentieth century, the Agadir population is less than 1000 inhabitants.

The first half of the twentieth century saw the return of Agadir on the economic scene. Agriculture and fisheries allow the city to develop a major port. Canneries are built and Agadir became the first sardine port in the world. This business has also never ceased, Agadir today is the first fishing port in the country.

Unfortunately, February 29, 1960 at 11:47 p.m., the city was devastated by a massive earthquake that will make 15,000 dead. Almost all the houses are destroyed in seconds. The whole country is very moved and reconstruction of Agadir is a national challenge. Two years later, the city rising from the ashes ... in compliance with earthquake standards.

Map - Agadir

To visit : 

Souk El Had

It is the main place of supply of the inhabitants of Agadir for food, clothing, common equipment. There are also many craft items. On Saturday and Sunday, market days, Souk El Had took on larger dimensions.

The Souk is a big market, it has about 6000 small shops. It is surrounded by ramparts and has several entrances. It is organized in different sectors: furniture, handicrafts, clothing, vegetables, butchery, spices ... You can find little wonders, all kinds of traditional decorations. It is also a souk very frequented by the locals, the national visitors and the tourists. It is the most important commercial tourist attraction in the destination Agadir and throughout the region.

The Amazigh Museum

Located in the city center (avenue Hassan II), on the passage "Ait souss", the municipal museum of Amazigh heritage in Agadir or more commonly the Berber Museum is devoted to the memory of Berber heritage.This museum presents more than two hundred old pieces such as bracelets, earrings, rings, brooches and traditional Berber necklaces, but also carpets in orange tones and musical instruments of the region of Agadir. The emblem of the Municipal Museum of Amazigh Heritage of Agadir is embodied by the collar of MASSA which is exhibited in the room of the treasure.

Kasbah 

Kasbah of Agadir (named Agadir Oufella in tachelhit) is the most majestic site of the city. It is a fortress overlooking the city as well as the beach and culminating at a height of 236 meters. It overlooks the ocean at more than 216 m on the heights of Oufella, offering a magnificent panorama of the city, the bay and the hinterland. Agadir Oufella was erected in 1540 by Mohammed Ech-Sheikh, Moroccan king belonging to the Sadian dynasty. After conquering the city, the latter built these walls in order to protect themselves from possible invasions, especially Portuguese. After the earthquake of 1960, the fortifications were rebuilt on their old marks and only the entrance door was preserved to the authentic.

Jardin Olhao

This beautifully planted garden is located at President John Kennedy Avenue, it attests and celebrates the historical links between Morocco and Portugal via the twinning of the city of Agadir and that of Olhao a coastal city From the south of Portugal.

Spaces to relax, restaurant, boardwalk, and museum on the history of Agadir. This museum relates essentially the catastrophe, that was the earthquake of February 1960. Photographs show the buildings destroyed by the earthquake.

The Valley of the Birds

The Birds Valley covers 2.5 hectares of greenery in the heart of Agadir where bloom animals and plants. The Birds Valley is nestled in the bed of an old wadi and extends from downtown to the waterfront.

Banana trees, bougainvilleas, oleanders, magnolias, many species of exotic plants make it a true haven of peace and a graceful moment of walk for the whole family.

The stars of the zoo are the many exotic birds, but you can also admire magnificent specimens of mouflons, kangaroos, monkeys, goats, llamas, Ostriches.

Agadir Beach

The urban beach of Agadir is one of the most beautiful of Morocco and and one of the most westernized. It can be compared to other urban beaches such as the Costa del Sol, the Canary Islands, the Costa Brava or the Balearic Islands. The urban beach of Agadir is a beach equipped with many services, hammocks, parasols (included). Its sand is golden and its waters calm thanks to the bay of Agadir. It is surrounded by hotels and apartments and frequented by many tourists who come to seek rest, relaxation.

Today, Agadir is an important economic center, with its port. Second tourist city in Morocco after Marrakech.

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Tangier

Tangier is known as the Gateway to Africa and it is one of the most vibrant, mysterious and interesting cities of Morocco.

Tangier was the birthplace of many celebrities, artists and kings of adventure. Cover Truman defined it as the city "Ragamuffin". Tangier, or "Tanja" in Arabic, reached its apogee in the 50s.

People came from all parts of Europe and the United States looking for a thrill and also charm, looking for a free life without returning home. Tangier attracted literary figures such as Oscar Wilde, André Gide, Jack Kerouac, Williams Tenesee but artists like Matisse, Cecil Beaton and many political figures such as Winston Churchill.

With its traditional souks, mosques plenty of wisdom, Tangier is an irresistible destination.

Located 60 kilometers from Gibraltar, 14 km from Tarifa and 1:30 to 2:30 flight from the main European cities, Tangier is not only a Moroccan city, it's a mix of trends, cultures. Proud of its identity, Tanger has very marked influence and power of amazing fascination to attract foreign visitors. Tangier is a city steeped in history and filled with mythological fragrances.

 Map - Tangier

To visit : 

Port of Tangier-Med

The main seaport of the Kingdom of Morocco to the Mediterranean, the port of Tangier occupies a strategic position between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.

As the first national port for passenger and TIR traffic, the port of Tangier benefits from a large infrastructure of air, rail and road communications.

It is also distinguished by its free zone, located directly on the harbors and which attracts loads with high added value.

The permanent rehabilitation of port structures and buildings, the introduction of container equipment, the preventive and systematic maintenance of equipment, the introduction of a continuous 16 hours working system for general cargo and 24 hours for Travelers, make it possible to assure the port of Tangier a service of quality. These efforts translate into sustained improvements in both the safety of the goods and the yields achieved.

In addition to the many services it offers to users at present, the port of Tangier offers vast possibilities for development in the short and medium term: construction of a grain elevator, development of a ship repair site.

In short, the port of Tangier is preparing to assume the role of major international port that its geographical situation confers to him as binding point of binding between Africa and Europe.

The Kasbah

Ancient palace district, the kasbah overlooks the port and the city from its heights.

This is one of the main attractions of the city of Tangier. It was built at the highest point of Tangier and has a panoramic view of the Straits of Gibraltar and Spain. There are few places where you can observe both continents at once.

Inside, there is an open patio leading to Dar El Makhzen, the Sultan's palace dating from the 17th century, which is now a museum. The building is beautiful and has wonderful wooden tiled ceilings and a marble patio. There is also a museum of Moroccan and archaeological art. You can enjoy the stunning views of the road that will take you to the Kasbah.

Dar El Makhzen

Dar el Makhzen was founded at the end of the seventeenth century and more precisely in 1684 by Sultan Moulay Ismail just after the departure of the English troops of Tangier, the latter served as residence to the representative of the sultan under the protectorate, courthouse and Also as cash.

Rebuilt in 1740, this palace has become today the Moroccan arts museum in Tangier. The museum of Dar el Makhzen presents all known history of the city of Tangier and consists of 9 rooms. Each room speaks of a different era. It is here that the Roman mosaic named The Navigation of Venus dates from the 2nd century. Other rooms deal with Islam with 14th century writings, great Moroccan dynasties, and the Portuguese occupation in the 15th century.

The Grand Socco 

Located at the entrance of the medina, it is the most frequented place of the city. There is the former residence of the Mendoub (representative of the Sultan). The German Embassy also took up residence there in the 1940s. Today it is a court whose garden is a splendor. Centenary trees testify to the historicity of the place.

American Legation

This building was the first acquisition of the US government abroad, after Morocco was the first country to recognize the independence of the latter. It was called a "consulate" until1923, when it became known as the Legation. Today the works of great painters as well as ancient geographical maps, among which that of Jean-Léon the African, are exposed.

Hercules Cave

Legend has it that Hercules came to rest in his cave in Tangier. It is a cave at the narrow entrance, dark inside, damp, where the light has only one passage: a beautiful slit overlooking the ocean, myth or reality this is another story. If you are passing through Tangier take the time to go there, walk in the footsteps of Hercules, venture inside this cave hostile at first sight, but just beautiful once inside. The Grotto is located under a large rock that now houses cafes and restaurants, it has jealously preserved the traces of Hercules: its footsteps, its footprints, its bowl and all the traces of its passage. Once inside the cave, nothing is worth a cliche in front of the opening that overlooks the ocean to immortalize the moment, it must be said that it is not every day that we follow the traces of 'Hercules. If you come here, it is above all out of curiosity, that one believes or not to what the legend tells, a visit of the cave of Hercules, is worth the detour. At the exit of the cave, many craft stores offer souvenirs to take away a legend with you.

Plage Sidi Kacem

The road leading to Cape Spartel, along the forest of Rmilat, offers beautiful landscapes, facing the Atlantic. Under the Cape, the road is lined with beaches frequented by many Tangiers in the summer. Above the Caves of Hercules, Le Mirage, a magnificent hotel worthy of its name, plunges its visitors into the immensity of the Ocean and the beach of Sidi Kacem which extends as far as the eye can see. It is on this beach that the restaurant L'Océan and its private beach club where you enjoy lunch by the sea is located. 

                                                Now more than ever ... Welcome to Morocco!

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Marrakech

Marrakech © Christelle Lopez

Marrakech is one of the destinations that do more than ever dream ... even if his old lovers swear not recognize today their "Pearl of the South." This changing city can not be ignored. 
A steady stream of visitors, stalls full of junk; a periphery changing with the construction of dozens of hotels and palaces promising total dream; the creation of a new city on the road to Safi, 7 miles away; a mégastade, the first in the kingdom, in preparation for the African Football Cup held in Morocco in 2015 ... So many things that tend to make Marrakech a city scarred by tourism ... And yet, open your eyes, let yourself be carried away by the colors, the smells, the undeniable charm of Marrakech, this bewitching and fascinating city! 
The huge Jemaa el Fna and agitation (day and night!) Alone are worth the trip. It is also lost in the colorful souks and noisy, probably the richest, most diverse, the most fascinating countries. Thousand small businesses are everywhere. Tourism, often maligned, has greatly promoted the rediscovery of a flourishing craft today, and the rehabilitation of Marrakech architecture. Hammams neighborhood glibness sellers of everything and nothing added to the thrill of an unforgettable spell. 
To understand and appreciate Marrakech, we have to stay a bit. So this imperial city appears like a jewel set in the natural setting that is not far, the High Atlas Mountains.

                                                                                                        

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