In the Deep South, where the sand is all invading, these are the oases of life. Orchards, fields, palm groves and rose gardens, stretching out along a strip of fertile land where men work miracles. These are the Wadis of Drâa, Dadès and Ziz. Read the rest of this entry »

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The Sahara.., its history blends with the history of mankind. Its rich minerais supplied a whole continent. A secret place, mysterious and tantalising. The expanse of sand, of rock, the visions of mirages and cases.., the stuff of dreams. Read the rest of this entry »

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Where the roads between the Drâa, Dadés and Ziz valleys cross, Ourzazate marks the beginning of the great journey by dazzling the traveller with two magnificent kasbahs. Taourirt, the former residence of the Glaoui, is frighteningly beautiful. A series of towers rising out of a mass of closely packed houses, thrusting their turrets into the blue of the sky, jostling to be first in fine to receive the sun. Aït Benhaddou is 30 kilometres from the town. Just imagine a fabulous sand castle transported, as if by magie, to stand in the middle of a field of flowering almond trees. So beautiful and playing so artfully with the light that it has often been used as a setting for films such as “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Un Thé au Sahara”. Indeed, this kasbah is so exceptional that UNESCO has given it world heritage status. Read the rest of this entry »

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MARRAKECH : CITY OF FASCINATION

Marrakech awakens just as it has done every morning for more than 800 years, with the same inflected intonation, the call of the muezzin going out from the 70 metre high Koutoubia, the spiritual beacon of Marrakech. Read the rest of this entry »

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Protected by the tradewinds and surrounded by flowers, Essaouira “la Blanche” is the centre of the cabinet makers’ craft. Master craftsmen produce delicate marquetery in lemon, cedar and sandalwood, preserving the character and aroma of these fine woods. Read the rest of this entry »

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AGADIR : NOW LET THE FUN BEGIN !

With the pink flamingos looking on in bewilderment a wind surfer skims over the surface of the water in a flash of colour that stands out in vivid contrast against the blue of the sea and the sky. Children play happily, building castles in the sand. Holidaymakers lie contentedly in the sun, putting the finishing touches to their tan while others stroll along the shore. A game of volleyball gets under way… Read the rest of this entry »

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FROM TETOUAN TO CHEFCHAOUEN

Our programme this afternoon consists of a walk to Tetouan, which dominates the green valley of the Martil river. A town with seven magnificently sculpted gateways to choose from as you pass through the ramparts and enter the medina. And now, you can follow your inclination. Read the rest of this entry »

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TANGIER , THE INSPIRER

“A dove poised on the shoulder of Africa” - Tangier has long been coveted for its strategic position. Since Tingis was founded in the IVth century BC, Carthaginians, Romans, Phoenicians, Vandals, Arabs, Spaniards, Portuguese and the English have jealously fought for the right to control it. No African city is closer to Europe, no other Orient is more dearly loved by European or American artists - painters, musicians or authors. Delacroix, Saint-Saïns, Matisse, Van Dongen, Tenessee Williams, Jean Genet, Joseph Kessel, William Burroughs and Paul Bowles, to name but a few, have all lived in Tangier - and been captivated by its spell. Read the rest of this entry »

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There is blue everywhere. The intense blue of the sky and the sea. And, nestling within the protection of the ochre-coloured ramparts, a gleaming white city and a minaret (tower) that reaches up to touch the clouds: this is Rabat, the capital of Morocco. Read the rest of this entry »

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A dream made reality, set in the heart of the Moroccan countryside! Meknes, the imperial city built by Moulay Ismaïl. With tireless effort and unrelenting will, he undertook the task of making this town into a capital worthy of his image. Palaces, mosques, fountains, terraces, gardens, stables and shops were built without any respite over a period of 50 years to fill the gigantic space contained within the mighty ramparts. This was Moulay Ismaïl’s unfinished vision - and ever since, Meknes has never ceased to make others dream… Its monumental gates, opening in the mighty walls, give access to the wonders of the city. Bab al-Mansour, the main and finest gate in Morocco, leads to the immense mechouar where stands the moving mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl. Read the rest of this entry »

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