we love Morocco

- The new Mazagan

2009-04-24T18:12:00.004Z

With its fortified walls facing the ocean, the old Portuguese city has today become a charming seaside resort. Old stone and beautiful beaches are on the agenda.

The old Portuguese city

Listed as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, the former Mazagan became El Jadida (the New City) in 1815. The Portuguese built the fortified city, which originally had five bastions. Today, only four remain. You can reach them by taking a perfectly preserved path around the battlements. The Bastion of the Angel provides a good view of the town, the port and the sea. The Saint-Sébastien bastion has a crude chapel from the Inquisition. A ramp allows you to go down to the Porte de la Mer. This slope going down to the water was used to escape by the Portuguese in 1769. By going back up on the main street you can access the Portuguese cistern. Forgotten in the past, it was rediscovered by chance in 1916. A shaft of light lights up the center of this underground chamber supported by five rows of columns. A beautiful setting where films such as Othello by Orson Welles and Harem by Arthur Joffé were shot. By continuing the walk you will come across the church of the Assumption opposite a mosque with a unique minaret. It is probably the only pentagonal one in the world.

The surrounding area

In addition to the attractive, pleasant and safe beaches on the coast to the south and north of El Jadida, 17km from Azemmour there is the former capital of the Doukkala region, located at the mouth of the Oum Errabia river, which is renowned for its succulent shad (cousin of the sardine). You can take a pleasant walk along the old streets of the medina.

- Dakhla!!

2009-04-24T17:44:00.002Z

On the Atlantic coast, in the south, there is a magical bay. Between dunes and waves, live in harmony with a nature which is full of secrets.

An idyllic back-drop

Dakhla was founded in 1884 at the mouth of the Rio de Oro by the Spanish. At the time it was called Villa Cisneros. This small fishing port is on the edge of a magnificent lagoon with turquoise waters. As well as welcoming thousands of migratory birds including colonies of pink flamingoes, the bay is home to the largest population in the world of monk seals. Its waters are also frequently visited by skate and hump-backed dolphins. The impressive Punta Sarga, at the southern extremity of the peninsula, is the recommended site for watching them.

Interesting pastimes

Considered by surfing champions as one of the most beautiful spots in the world, this is the ideal place for all board sports on water… as well as on the sand dunes! To feel as though you are communing with nature, it is possible to sleep in khaïmats tents (traditional communal accommodation in the desert) as part of a surf camp. A shower in 38°C sulfurous water from the thermal spring at Asmaa must be tried: it is reputed to be excellent for the skin, breathing difficulties and the bones. The Rio de Oro lagoon is also one of the most fish-rich places in the world. The star of the lagoon is the meager (Argyrosomus regius). By surf casting, meaning fishing right at the water's edge, it is possible to catch fish up to 2m long and weighing up to 80kg.

- Essaouira the city of wind

2009-04-22T20:20:00.003Z

Essaouira is a hidden Morocco. The ramparts, the port, the dance of the cawing seagulls, the immense beach, the perfume of the sea air…

Nautical atmosphere

Thanks to the ocean breeze, Essaouira benefits from cool air. At the end of the morning, don't miss the colourful and lively spectacle of the return of the boats to the port, with their baskets full of fish. Grant yourself a rare pleasure: try the grilled sardines or taste a small lobster in the port. Their freshness is incomparable and the atmosphere forever engraved in your memory… Then, return to town through the Bab El Marsa gate.

Bustling and well-protected medina

The Sqala of the Kasbash, the artillery platform on the ramparts, offers from its north bastion an incomparable view across the medina, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, over the port's Sqala and out over the ocean. Leave the old European canons and walk towards the casemates that lead to the street. Some of the Kingdom's most famous marquetry craftsmen and cabinet makers have founded their workshops there. They work on the wood of the sandarac tree and are deserving of your visit: their work is of a rare intricacy. You will easily find the object that will eternally symbolise Essaouira, once you return home. In the Moulay El Hassan square, you can enjoy the numerous and lively café terraces and restaurants.

Mystical fraternity and exotic experience

The Gnaoua, descendents of African slaves, practice trance and faith healing whilst playing a syncopated music accompanied by singing and dancing. Essaouira has been host for over ten years to a very popular festival, which takes place at the start of summer, and which promotes Gnaoua music whilst giving a wide opening to world music, jazz and blues.

Immense fine sand beach

Essaouira's beach is a long ribbon of around ten kilometres bathed in surf. Its sheer size is surprising and its tranquillity is reassuring. There is an invigorating sensation from the ocean breeze as soon as you set foot on the immaculate sand.

- Chefchaouen THE Beautiful blue

2009-04-22T19:55:00.007Z

Blue lime-washed houses, busy squares, steep alleyways, the best way to discover this holy town is to wander around it taking in the atmosphere

The old town

Cut into the sides of two mountains, Chefchaouen is a city with blue and white lime-washed houses. A powerful charm that you really can feel in the Outa-el-Hammam square, in the cobblestone medina. Sat on the terrace of a cafe, you can enjoy the attractive view of the grand Tarik-Ben-Ziad mosque whose octagonal minaret is inspired by that of the Torre de Oro in Seville. This Andalousian architecture can be found in the kasbah and its gardens, at the center of the medina. Its walls and its 11 crenellated towers, of which one used to be a dungeon, house an interesting ethnographic museum.

A lively culture

In the small museum in the kasbah can be found collections of embroideries and colored and varied pieces of clothing like those worn by the region's women. The famous djellaba, this long and ample garment worn by the men and women of North Africa, was created here. The welcome and great hospitality provided by its inhabitants can be experienced during a visit to a traditional oil mill (there are more than 1500 of them) or a craftsman's workshop. Over and above its weaving, Chefchaouen is renowned for its basket-making and its pottery. Furthermore, you can take part in an introduction to pottery workshop in the pottery at Ghzaoua, and go away with your own berradas (water jugs) or a more simple goulla (jar). On the whole, the pottery of the Rif region is fairly plain. Black or red paint is applied directly onto the terracotta. The walk continues as far as Rif Sebbarim, the wash house district, to the square on which there is a mosque dating from the 15^th century. A visit to the agadirs or the region's fortified communal attics is also a must. Finally, leaving the town without having first tried its goat's milk cottage cheese from the mountains is out of the question. It is perhaps the best in Morocco..

( Inside the Chefchaouen museum)

- The beautiful Morocco

2009-04-22T01:28:00.003Z

Morocco- the very name conjures up the romance of "Casablanca", the high Atlas Mountains and beyond to the empty skies of the Great Sahara Desert.
Whether you decide to enjoy its hot summer sunshine or it’s balmy winter days, Morocco will captivate you with a wealth of things to see and do. In Marrakesh, beautiful gardens and the famous souks, with the ceaseless activity of Djemaa El Fna Square; In Agadir, you will find miles of fine sandy beaches. Join one of our tours and you will discover a kingdom unmatched for historical splendour, legendary hospitality and a variety of beautiful landscape seldom seen in one country.

With hotels from the simple to the magnificent, turquoise pools, golden beaches, a Moroccan holiday is as full of value as it is sunshine.

And yet Morocco can be so much more than a fast tanning holiday bargain, It can be adventure, a journey of discovery, and above all, great fun.
Step into an ancient walled market, and surround yourself with the vibrance of a life-style virtually unchanged for the past 900 years.
Or venture off the beaten track into deep mountain gorges, carved from weathered rocks by babbling meltwater, and your every adjective fails to capture the majesty.
And when you see the iridescent colours of dawn burning dew from Saharan sand dunes, Morocco reveals itself as an enigmatic chameleon.
To the north, light Mediterranean sands look to Spain, whilst the seemingly endless Atlantic beaches are a glorious yellow. From rolling moorlands facing snow capped mountains, to tracts of sunburnt desert speckled by emerald oasis and ochre red villages, the landscape changes with everym mile.
Yet though the land alters shad, all is unmistakably Moroccan. From the ever smiling Berbers of the Atlas, to the power dressed members of Casablanca society, Morocco is a proud whole, and it’s a land they love to show off.

By all means come to Morocco for a quality beach holiday at an affordable price, but before you settle on a sun lounger, how about making this a holiday you’ll really remember?
Whether you fancy the Sahara by land Rover or camel, trekking in the Atlas mountains; or gently touring the magnificent Imperial cities-somewhere in this brochure, there’s your very own Moroccan adventure waiting to be discovered.
http://www.visit-morocco.org/

- Casablanca

2009-04-22T02:37:00.006Z

Origins

The Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah decided, in the middle of the 18^th century, to rebuild ancient Anfa (the hill), a small Berber 7^th century town, from its ruins. The ancient medina, still partially enclosed by ramparts, became the first district of Casablanca. You will find an atmosphere of traditions and a thousand small crafts and trades in the maze of alleys and workshops.

The thirties

The other facet of the town appeared during the first half of the 20^th century. Casablanca became the showcase of Art Deco architecture. The outlying districts are connected to and organized around the Place de France and the Place Administrative, now respectively United Nations Place and Mohammed V Place. The Habous area, situated 3km away from the city centre, is unique in Morocco: a new medina entirely designed according to the traditional model. Initially, it was intended for the rural population coming to work in Casablanca. It shows tradition's capacity to adapt perfectly to the constraints of the modern world.

- MAROC CLASSIC Rally

2009-03-18T23:35:00.011Z

Excitement at the wheel, refined luxury at the stop-overs: this is the essential flavour of the « MAROC CLASSIC - La Route du Coeur »’ Rally, which skilfully combines the best aspects of rally driving and good living. The competitive side is well tried and tested - sporting and friendly. Our 2009 Rally will be no exception to this tradition.

The itinerary covers more than 2,000 kilometres (all blacktop) through spectacularly beautiful and ever-changing scenery. Twice a day, competitors are required to prove their ability for precision driving by undertaking regularity tests monitored to tenths of a second. You will encounter, during the course of your drive through the High Atlas and Middle Atlas mountains, countless tight bends, steep climbs and breath-taking descents. You will be treated like nabobs: every day a relaxing break at one of Morocco’s most elegant hostelries (such as the legendary La Gazelle d’Or in Taroudannt), and every night at luxurious 4-star or 5-star hotels. The organisers arrange transfer of your bags every evening, as well as 24-hour professional technical back-up services.

The quality of the product we offer you is only matched by the warmth of Moroccan hospitality, and the tireless assistance of the local authorities in ensuring the complete safety of the Rally’s itinerary. As competitors in the ‘Maroc Classic’ Rally, you will be considered as VIPs: our Honorary President is His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, brother of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Launched in 1993, the ‘Maroc Classic’ Rally has won its spurs with distinction. Every spring, it is entered in everybody’s diary as one of the most prestigious international events of the season. If you study the lists of winners over the years, you will see that every entrant stands an equal chance, whatever the type of vehicle. In fact, no crew has (so far) managed to win more than once and, over 13 years, no less than nine different vehicle types have come out tops.

The Rally used to be restricted to ‘classic’ cars manufactured between 1930 and 1980. In the last two years, however, the field has been successfully laid open to ‘modern’ up-market GT vehicles. The ideal conditions here in Morocco mean that these cars can exploit their full potential more freely than on European roads. Competing in a separate category, they now represent one third of the total number of entrants (restricted to just 70 carefully-chosen crews).

For the past seven years, the «MAROC Classic » Rally has supported the local Registered Charity ‘L’Heure Joyeuse’ to develop community projects in rural areas. Thanks to the generosity of our driving participants, and of our many corporate sponsors, this joint relationship has raised almost 3 million Dirhams to date. All monies thus raised are devoted, with nil deductions for administrative or other costs, to financing rural projects in Morocco in conjunction with local associations.

International star Michel LEGRAND - lyricist, composer, arranger, singer and conductor - has three Oscars and five Grammy awards to his credit. For several years now, he has added another string to his bow by participating in every «MAROC Classic » Rally. He has not yet managed to win first place, but we think he has perhaps done better: he has kindly agreed to be appointed Patron of our sponsorship of ‘L’Heure Joyeuse’.

As you can see, the «MAROC Classic » Rally well deserves its moniker « La Route du Coeur » .

- VOLUBILIS: Roman ruins with a long life

2009-03-17T01:01:00.020Z

The Archeological site of Volubilis was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in Morocco in 1997. Even though this wonderful site has been looted for granite and marble to build structures in the nearby towns of Moulay Idris and Meknes, the remaining structures and mosaics tell the tale of a city that once thrived. The ruins that have been spared are beautifully preserved relics of the Roman era and it is for its historical value that the Archeological site of Volubilis was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Morocco.

It is believed that this spectacular city was constructed around 40 AD and that it was built on an old settlement which dated back to the third century.

It became the administrative capital of the area and was known as Mauretania. The extremely fertile lands that surrounded the city produced olive oils and grains that were exported to Rome. Archeobotanical projects at the site have proved that two types of wheat were produced here. Scientists have found evidence of Emmer (Hulled Wheat) and of free-threshing wheat. It is suggested that most of the wheat was stored, while the excess was used as a fodder for livestock and animals. Over and above the evidence of wheat being present, studies have identified linseed, melon seeds, grapes and figs. Ongoing projects are examining wood charcoal pieces to investigate the species of vegetation that existed during this time.

It is also known that after the Romans withdrew from Morocco - which happened around the end of the third century - the city was not left uninhabited. An earthquake in the fourth century is believed to have caused extensive damage to Volubilis, but documents have revealed the arrival of Idris I in the year 788. Idris founded the Idrisid dynasty and on his death in 791 he was laid to rest in Moulay Idris. Another earthquake rocked the site in 1755, possibly causing its final abandonment. In the eighteenth century builders started to loot the ruins for building materials.
French archeologists started excavating the site in 1915 and more than 2 000 excavations by numerous institutions have followed.

Today visitors will be able to view theThermae, the Orpheus Mosaic, the Temple of Jupiter, oil presses, the Capitol, the third century Triumphal Arch and the Casilica. Most of the structures are still in impressive condition and the mosaics are as beautiful as the day they were created. This wonderfully preserved site should be visited by everyone who comes to Morocco as it provides a rare glimpse into the past.

- The Ouzoud Waterfalls

2009-03-17T00:49:00.003Z

Though chiefly associated with rolling sand dunes and desert vistas, Morocco also features some spectacular sights that one wouldn't expect to see in a North African country. Case in point: the Ouzoud Waterfalls. Located in Morocco's Azilal province 95 miles north-east of Marrakech, the Ouzoud Waterfalls (or "Cascades d'Ouzoud" in French) present a striking picture of beauty that is all the more unexpected compared to the ruggedness of the surrounding country.

The Ouzoud Waterfalls are a complex network of waterfalls that cascade one into another through 3 major and several minor drops. From top to bottom, the chain of waterfalls stretches 330 feet. The brilliant white of the stirred-up water contrasts dramatically with the rich red sandstone outcroppings of the El Abid river gorge. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, the Ouzoud Waterfalls offer visitors a number of options to best view this astonishing natural wonder.

From the base of the falls, a path winds between ancient olive trees that have given their name to the falls - "Ouzoud" means "olive" in the Berber language. For those who prefer a bird's eye view, there are a number of small roads that lead to the summit and then descend to the bottom. Be sure to watch carefully as the sun sets: that's when extended family groups of the local monkeys visit the falls to play amongst the splashing waters and rising mists.

As befits its importance to Morocco as a scenic destination and as recognition of the fragile ecosystem around the Ouzoud Waterfalls, local, regional and national government bodies are spearheading conservation projects intended to protect the area and prevent its exploitation. Should you be lucky enough to visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls, perhaps as a side trip from a vacation in Marrakech, do your part by not discarding litter. Preserving the Ouzoud Waterfalls for future generations to enjoy is a gift to both future visitors and sign of respect for your gracious Moroccan hosts.
Source:www.morocco.com

- Marrakech Grand Prix - Race of Morocco

2009-03-14T13:32:00.002Z

You can see the circuit map which was made available during a press conference organized on November 19 at the conference room of the Farah Kenzi Hotel. The circuit map of the MGP (Marrakech Grand Prix) was announced to the audience, mainly journalists, both local and national, attended this press conference that was followed by a tour to visit the circuit under construction as well as the MGP village.
The official 2009 FIA World Championship Calendar (F1, WRC, WTCC) was made public on 7 October by the World Motor sport Council. For the first time since 1958, Morocco makes its entry into the prestigious line up of international motor sport events, among them Monza, Macao and Valencia. Labeled “Race of Morocco”, Marrakech becomes the only round of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (FIA WTCC) to be held in Africa and the Arab World.
Marrakech starts the new round of the 2009 FIA WTCC Season By hosting the FIA WTCC in

Marrakech on May 1-3 2009. “Race of Morocco” will become the only African round of any FIA World Championship (F1, WRC, WTCC). This is the result of 3 years of concerted efforts between the Moroccan government and the Promoter, MGP. In doing this Marrakech joins the league of international urban circuits, such as Monaco, Valencia, or Macau. Known to be the most fascinating and popular in the world of motor sports, street races draw more than 100.000 fans from all over the world to experience all of the adrenaline and excitement of the racing events.

For its racing weekend, Morocco will be projected onto the international motor sports scene, as Euro sport broadcasts the series to more than 200 million TV viewers across 70 countries. The MGP young and active team took all the participants in the press conference on a field tour to present the circuit layout with detailed explanations.

The circuit is designed by D3 Motor sport Development, MGP’s partner in Morocco, and one of the world’s leading motor sport development companies. D3 is one of the few companies responsible for the construction of four of the most competitive and successful race tracks in professional motor sports. Among them, the street circuit in Surfers Paradise, Australia, is recognized as one of the finest street courses in the world today, with more than 400.000 fans in attendance.
The FIA-standard circuit will ensure the safety of the teams, drivers, and fans. In fact, it has already been subjected to several tests and inspections, pending final FIA homologation in 2009. Construction is already underway being supervised by Groupe MENARA. It is worth noting that the Marrakech circuit will be the only FIA World Championship circuit in Africa. Its location, along Mohammed VI and Ourika Avenues, an exotic backdrop between the red city’s legendary wall and snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance, will quickly make it one of the most attractive circuits in the world.
The circuit layout will allow for fast and challenging driving, giving fans and TV audiences an exciting performance.
In terms of what opportunities the circuit will provide morocco:
Thousands of direct and indirect jobs will be created;
-1.2 million man-hours over 100 days in construction
-2550 FIA-standard impact blocks weighing 4 tons each
- 10,2 km of heavy-duty debris fencing installed by specialized teams
- 8 km of security fencing - 5 pedestrian bridges
- 14 hard-wall portable buildings
- 19 temporary structures for teams and garages, equipments, media centers and press, medical sites, emergency and security
- Jumbo screens and hi-fi positions all along the circuit -

Length: 4540m (in track axis) • Width: 5.6 18.4m

From: marrakechemma.blogspot.com

- Marrakech for Beginners

2009-03-12T02:46:00.003Z

wellcome to Marrakech

- we love Ouarzazate

2009-03-12T17:40:00.005Z

Ouarzazate, l’oasis du ressourcement

Ouarzazate est le point de départ pour les amateurs de randonnées, à pied, en 4X4, en VTT ou à dos de dromadaire, dans des paysages à vous couper le souffle !
Le Sud de Ouarzazate vous séduira, si vous aimez les grands espaces désertiques et les amoureux de la montagne se dirigeront vers le Haut-Atlas, au Nord. Vous pourrez aussi admirer les vertigineuses parois rocheuses des splendides gorges du Dadès et du Todra.
Quelle que soit votre direction, vous serez ébloui, voire ému, par la beauté des paysages qui ont d’ailleurs inspiré de nombreux cinéastes puisque des studios y ont élu domicile. Enfin, avant de quitter Ouarzazate, visitez la Kasbah de Taourirt, un village dans la ville, qui a conservé son atmosphère unique de cité Berbère, ainsi que la kasbah de Aït Benhaddou, classée au Patrimoine Mondiale par l’Unesco.
source: Taxi-Berbere