Marrakech is a vibrant city that combines tradition and modernity. Whether you’re a lover of history, gastronomy or shopping, this city has everything to seduce you. This tourist destination is loved by holidaymakers for a change of scenery. In this article, you’ll discover a selection of the best things to do in this magnificent city.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Majorelle Garden
In Marrakech, you can find iconic places like the Majorelle Garden. Created in the 1920s by painter Jacques Majorelle, this garden is a true haven of peace in the city. This botanical oasis is home to exotic plants from around the world, with soothing fountains offering a cool, serene interlude. With its intense blue architecture, it has now taken on the name Majorelle Blue, in reference to this architecture.
A stone’s throw from this garden is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. This museum is dedicated to the work of the famous French couturier and his companion Pierre Bergé, who saved the garden from abandonment in the 1980s. The museum features a selection of emblematic creations as well as temporary exhibitions. It blends fashion, art and Moroccan culture. The museum and garden are a must for anyone wishing to discover the elegance and artistic inspiration that emanates from Marrakech.
The souks of Marrakech
If you’d like to take a stroll while discovering Moroccan specialties, I recommend the souks. Located in Medina, these traditional markets form a lively labyrinth, bustling from morning to night. You’ll discover a multitude of stalls brimming with handwoven carpets, delicately patterned pottery, leather goods, oriental slippers and handcrafted jewelry. The alleyways are scented with the spices of cumin, cinnamon and saffron. As for the sounds of these markets, you’ll often hear the tools of craftsmen and strolling musicians.
As well as seeing traditional creations, it’s a sensational adventure blending color, texture and aroma. As you stroll through the alleyways, you’ll meet the artisans who are often warm and proud of their skills. Don’t hesitate to haggle, it’s all part of the experience. You’re free to wander and let the magic of the Sioux be your guide. It’s here that the most beautiful facets of Marrakech are revealed.
The traditional hammam
After a busy day, there’s nothing like pampering yourself and relaxing. Here’s a look at a traditional hammam in Marrakech. This ritual is practiced by locals and tourists alike. It’s an immersion in the Moroccan art of living.
You begin by settling into a warm, humid room where the steam gently purifies your skin. This is followed by a black soap scrub, applied vigorously with a kessa glove. This cleanses the body of impurities and stimulates blood circulation. This treatment is often followed by a soothing massage with argan oil or local essence.
The result is a feeling of lightness, soft skin and total relaxation of body and mind. Whether you choose a local hammam or a top-of-the-range spa, the benefits will remain the same. You’ll rediscover a deep connection with yourself and a moment of serenity. The hammam is a must in Marrakech, to be experienced at least once, alone or accompanied!
The desert
Just a few kilometers from Marrakech, the scenery changes radically, giving way to arid landscapes. Between the palm grove and the Agafay desert, there are a number of activities to be tried out. The most popular is the camel ride, often mistakenly referred to as a “camel ride”. This peaceful activity is ideal for admiring the scenery from another angle. I recommend it at sunset, as it’s even more beautiful with all the colors.
For thrill-seekers, quad or buggy outings let you explore the rocky trails at top speed. The setting is simply breathtaking. Some excursions also include a stopover at a Berber camp for mint tea or a traditional dinner. If you wish, you can even extend the adventure by spending a night in a canvas tent around a campfire.
For the more courageous, you can also discover the Sahara or Merzouga desert with a 3-day trek. During this excursion, you’ll experience nomadic life, visit emblematic kasbahs and take part in a wide range of activities such as the one mentioned above. You’ll be accompanied, of course, and camp under the stars in Berber tents in a majestic desert.
Whatever you choose, these experiences offer a moment of total disconnection between infinite silence and Moroccan hospitality. Afterwards, you’ll be filled with memories and gratitude.
Hot-air ballooning
For a suspended, timeless experience, I recommend a hot-air balloon flight. At dawn, you can soar over the plains as the sun gently illuminates the surrounding landscape. The view from the air is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll fly over Berber villages, ochre fields and sometimes catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
To accompany this extraordinary experience, you’re treated to a typical Berber breakfast of fresh bread, pancakes, local honey, amlou, olives and the inevitable mint tea.
To reward you for your courage, each passenger receives a flight certificate. A small token for this unforgettable moment. Whether it’s to mark a special occasion or simply to treat yourself to a moment of escape, a hot-air balloon flight is undoubtedly one of the most poetic experiences to be had in Marrakech.
