Marrakech
With its palaces, each more beautiful than the next, its colorful markets, its enchanting gardens, the snow-capped Atlas mountains in the distance, Marrakech is a little paradise all by itself.
It was during a family trip that we discovered the beauty of the Red City. Just three hours by plane from Paris and less than two hours from Lisbon, Marrakech promises a sweet change of scenery. Let us share with you our fondest memories and our favorite addresses…
A fascinating city that shakes up our senses
From our first steps in the city, our senses were stimulated. Lost between the alleys and the ramparts with orange shades, we went up the souk’s maze, the nose awakened for the spices. Prayer, emanating from neighboring mosques, intrigued us. We tasted a tasty tagine and admired the colorful ballet of the merchants of the Jemaa el-Fna square… We fell under the city’s spell.
Around the corner, we discovered La Source de Tapis and its incredible vegan rugs. This women’s cooperative provides weavers with a fair wage and allows them to gain financial independence. We fell in love with these Berber rugs and decided to bring them back to the offices of 27 Lisboa!
Marrakech, a cradle of culture
Marrakech also allowed us to retrace Yves Saint Laurent’s footsteps in the Majorelle Garden and the museum dedicated to him. Close to the Guéliz district, this garden of a thousand and one colors stands out like a sweetness parenthesis.
The Majorelle Garden was not the only one to dazzle us. Located 27 km from Marrakech on the Ourika road, Anima Garden, created by André Heller, is a unique and surprising place. Along the shaded alleys, we crossed paths with colorful sculptures and Masai warriors.
If you are a photography lover like Kelly, you will be charmed by the House of Photography. Founded by Patrick Manac’h and Hamid Mergani, this gallery brings together more than 10,000 photos. Captivating photos, taken in Morocco, from the 19th century to the present day. It is the best place to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture.
A thousand-year-old history
We continued our visit with the Al Maaden Museum of Contemporary African Art (MACAAL), an independent, non-profit contemporary art museum. One of the first of its kind on the continent, MACAAL is dedicated to promoting African art through various educational programs and exhibitions. Through the acquisition and presentation of works by both established and emerging artists, the museum promotes an understanding of contemporary African art. It brings to light the creative energy and cultural diversity characteristic of the continent.
Known for its leather, Marrakech has also been home to tanneries since the founding of the medina over a thousand years ago. It is a real sensory experience! Smells and colors surprised and fascinated us. It is the best way to understand local life and handicrafts.
Our favorite addresses
While time seemed suspended, we entered under a patio where orange trees, bougainvillea, and jasmine bloom. We tasted the vegetarian cuisine of the La Famille restaurant. Ideal for a healthy lunch on the terrace.
Our feet tire, and we were already dreaming of falling asleep in a comfortable bed… A stone’s throw from Marrakech, at the foot of the eternal snow peaks of the High Atlas, lies a hotel with an idyllic location and spectacular views: Kasbah Bab Ourika.
Our eyes closed on this incredible city, and we dove into a sleep of colorful dreams…
Discover other tips and destinations on our Mapstr 27 Lisboa map!
