lundi 18 août 2014

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<ul class="city-carousel"><li id="htnWidgeta59d_1" ><h2><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hoteltravel.com/morocco/fez/barcelo_fes_medina_fezbar.htm" class="htnWidget_text12_orange">Barcelo Fes Medina</a></h2><div class="clear"></div>
<div class="thumbnailH3"><div class="thumL"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hoteltravel.com/morocco/fez/barcelo_fes_medina_fezbar.htm"><img src="http://res.hoteltravel.com/morocco/fez/hotels_resorts/FEZBAR_hotel.jpg"></a></div><div class="thumR"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hoteltravel.com/morocco/fez/barcelo_fes_medina_fezbar.htm"><img src="http://res.hoteltravel.com/morocco/fez/hotels_resorts/FEZBAR_3_01.jpg" width="106px" height="63px"></a></div><div class="thumR topimg"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hoteltravel.com/morocco/fez/barcelo_fes_medina_fezbar.htm"><img src="http://res.hoteltravel.com/morocco/fez/hotels_resorts/FEZBAR_3_02.jpg" width="106px" height="63px"></a></div></div><div class="clear"></div><div class="infocity"><div class="infohotel3"><img width="61" height="10" src="http://res.hoteltravel.com/images/ico4star.png" /><br/><span>Location: </span>Fez, Morocco<br/><span>Customer Satisfaction</span> 0 %</div><div class="from_us2">from<br/><div id="imgHTNRateFEZBAR">US$ 90</div>one night</div></div><div class="commennt_bg3" style="height:78px"><img src="http://res.hoteltravel.com/images/sharearrow2.gif" class="sharearrow">All guests are free to use the hotel’s Wake up call, Currency exchange and Concierge.In room amenities...</div></li></ul><div class="htnWidget_clear"></div></div>
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dimanche 17 août 2014

the city of azilal morocco

Am ideal departure point to discover the Upper Atlas mountains, the city of Azilal and the entire surrounding region offer a wide variety of natural landscapes and living culture.

The people

The region is the result of an Arab-Berber melting pot which has influenced its crafts, cuisine and architecture. An enlightening example of this architecture is the circular fortified clay storage area in the village of Sidi Moussa. These ancient grain stores characterize the rural life of the surroundings. The inhabitants, shepherds and farmers, launched themselves into honey, nut oil and cheese production. Women's associations and cooperatives grouping together several villages are open to the public. Feel free to step into one of the tighermts, the old tribal leaders' castles. Although the walls are made from adobe or stone, the internal decoration in wood is often skillfully painted with a variety of patterns. And you will understand why the hospitality of the region's inhabitants is so famous.

Nature

The area around Azilal and more generally the central Upper Atlas lends itself to ecotourism due to its well-preserved and impressive nature. Some examples: 36km west of Azilal are the crashing waterfalls of Ouzoud, an exceptional site. A 100m drop cuts through the middle of a luxuriant chasm. The watercourse flows on for 2km to the deep gorges of El Abid wadi (400m). Other fantastic natural sights include the pretty Arous gorges near Agouti at the entrance to the Aït Bouguemez valley, and the Imi-n-Ifri bridge, near Demnate. A gigantic stone arch carved out by the Mahseur wadi from which hundreds of stalactites hang.

the city of Saidia, morocco

The splendour of the Mediterranean

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The blue pearl of Morocco, Saidia, is in the process of modernising so that you will soon be able to take advantage of the turquoise Mediterranean, its 14-km beach and splendid surrounding countryside.

Golden strip

A beautiful bay and, above all, 14 km of fine sand… Saidia is a new generation of resort that holds on to its Moroccan charm. Stroll under the mimosa and eucalyptus trees that line the beach, sunbathe freely and, above all, dive into the turquoise water inviting you to relax.

Dream coast road

To take the full measure of the transparency and clearness of the sea as it gently laps the coast, a walk along the coast road is highly recommended. All the families and holidaymakers go there at the end of the day, when the sand takes on a golden colour and everything becomes softer and gentler.

The call of the sea

The completely new pleasure port, which has 850 moorings, is a great place to take a stroll, even if you are not a sailor! There are schools for sailing, diving and water skiing. In the vicinity, there are restaurants, a thermal centre, shops. A whole range of varied activities and services are offered to ensure that you have an unforgettable holiday in an elegant location with modern facilities.

Urban escape

Take advantage of your trip to Saidia to visit Oujda, some sixty kilometres south of the seaside resort. The capital of eastern Morocco has a beautiful medina, whose kasbah, the old citadel, watches over a fourteenth-century Koranic school. Oujda also invites you to explore its beautiful markets. It is a dream setting to listen to Gharnatian music, a melancholic Arabo-Andalusian music.

the city of tangier morocco

Tangier retains its powerful charm to this day… From the previously nefarious alleys in the Petit Socco area to the many café terraces which are more than ever avant-gardist.

Tangier the white

The tangier medina has always fascinated artists. Eugène Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, Jean Genet… the list can be continued. All have fallen for the charm of Petit Socco Square and its cafés, especially the famous Tingis, despite the nefarious reputation acquired during the period when casinos and dance halls abounded. The old Mendoub Palace, built in 1929, situated to the North of the medina, is now a mansion for foreign VIPs. The museum of the old American Legation is in the Southern extremity. Paintings are on display and one room is dedicated to the American writer Paul Bowles. You should leave the medina by Grand Socco Square, a lively spot in the evening, and enter the new town.

The new town

You can enjoy a pleasant walk in the Mendoubia Parksituated north of Grand Socco Square. A giant banyan tree and a dragon tree, alleged to be 800 years old, highlight the visit. Take rue de la Liberté, a shopping thoroughfare, to the Place de France which is the heart of the modern town. There you will find the celebrated Grand Café de Paris and the El Minzah Hotel which both were haunts of the famous names of arts and literature of the 19^th and early 20^thcenturies. This spot is still very fashionable. You will have an amazing view of the medina and the port and bay of Tangier from Faro Square with its canons. The mythical Hafa café overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar from the top of the cliff.

city of Chefchaouen morocco

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^thcentury. 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.

city of agadir

Sun and sand

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The leading seaside resort in Morocco deserves its title. A 10km-long beach of fine sand and more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

Sunbathing and swimming

With its miraculous climate, providing a minimum of 300 days of sunshine a year, and its 10km-long beach, Agadir has all you need for a great seaside holidays. Agadir is a member of a private club which is part of the world's most beautiful bays. It contains a marina which can receive several hundred pleasure boats.

Seaside

The developed coastal road allows you to stroll along more of the sea front, a popular place for a walk at any time of day. It offers a complete panorama of the whole bay. Don't miss visiting the port which is constantly buzzing.

The old kasbah

Destroyed by the earthquake of 1960, the kasbah no longer has its crenellated ramparts. Nevertheless, this elevated site has a complete view of the bay, the port and the new town. It is enchanting at sundown, when the light is flecked with gold.

The new medina

Slightly to the south of the city center, this is a place to be discovered with great delight: the new medina was reconstructed from the 1990s onwards by Italian architect Coco Polizzi. Careful urban development, craftsmen and restaurants. It is an original and bold success, where the Moroccan soul still survives. The jewelry souk and the Moorish café are more than worth the detour.

merzouga desert

Merzouga is a village in the Sahara Desert in Morocco, on the edge of Erg Chebbi, a 50km long and 5km wide set of sand dunes that reach up to 350m. Most people are here to take a camel safari into the dunes, and to get a taste of remote (tourism-influenced) Berber life.

The local population is mix of Arabs and Berber, and generally welcoming and friendly.

Get in[edit]

From Marrakech, drive East to Erfoud (2 days drive, stop for the night in or near Ouarzazate). From Fez, drive South to Erfoud (1 day).

From Erfoud, continue South 14 km (11 miles) to Rissani, carry on through the village and follow the road Southeast for 40 km (24 miles) to Merzouga. In recent years, the road to Merzouga has been asphalted and also to Taouz, a southern military border town (foreigners cannot cross here). The short access roads (1 or 2 km long) from the main road to the hotels alongside the sand dunes are normally not asphalted, but well maintained. There is now an asphalt road to Hassi Lybed, a smaller village about 4 km before Merzouga.

From Rissani to Merzouga, a grand taxi or van is 10/12dh. If you don't want to wait for other people to fill your grand taxi, pay 60dh. If you arrive before sunrise (if you come in the 6=7am bus from Fez) you can pay up to 100dh for a grand taxi.

Beware of guides in Rissani or Erfoud who offer to take you to Merzouga for 5 dihram each, but instead strand you at their auberge 20 km north of the village. If you decline their offers of camel rides and lodging, it is often quite difficult (and expensive) to make your way back to town. For example, they might ask you if you want to go to Merzouga desert or Merzouga village, so most people say desert and then are driven to the middle of nowhere.

You can also fly to Ouarzazate from Casablanca, then continue to Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga.

There are also weekly flights into Errachadia, about 2 hours north of Merzouga by car.

Supratours buses from Marrakech and also from Fez have daily trips that stop in Merzouga village.

If you're continuing on to one of the small villages nearby, such as Hassi Labied, the usual tourist price is a fairly steep 50 dirhams (total, not per person) for the short 5 km drive. Beware that overnight busses may sometimes arrive more than an hour early, putting you in Merzouga before sunrise. If this happens, you may find yourself with no cabs available, so be prepared to wait for someone to arrive.

Tour operators can arrange 4x4s with driver/guides from Marrakech or Casablanca and back.

Get around[edit]

The only way to get around Merzouga is on foot. It's fairly small and easily walkable, but you'll likely want to avoid the midday heat.

See[edit][add listing]

Sunrise/sunset over the dunes. Folk dances and black G'naui music. Visits to villages near Merzouga inhabited by Senegalese musicians and dancers such as Khamlia can be arranged with some guides, ask at your hotel.

Animals – see the ducks, and in early spring, flamingos, on the Dayet Srji salt lake, just west of Merzouga. There are many other species of birds (ruddy sheldrack and Kittllitz's plower during the spring migration, Tristram's desert warbler, the Egyptian nightjar, the arabian buzzard and falcons), and the desert sparrows are unique to this region and can be seen all year round. There are also reptiles (Algerian sand lizards, Berber skinks and snakes), mammals such as gerbils, desert hedgehogs, field mice and desert foxes, and scarab beetles. In the morning, you can often see their tracks in the sand. Brown scorpions can occasionally be seen, but they come out at night and tend to avoid humans.

Do[edit][add listing]

Erg Chebbi

Camel train near Merzouga

Berber Children selling dolls in desert

Camel Safaris, [1].Almost certainly the reason you came here in the first place, and by far the best way to experience the dunes. After taking you into the village to buy a proper head scarf to protect you from the sun, you'll be thrown on a camel and lead off into the desert. Meals, water, tents, etc should all be taken care of by your leader, but naturally you'd want to confirm this when you do your negotiations beforehand and make sure you're very specific, and ask lots of questions. Speaking of negotiations, do your research before coming (ask other travelers in Marrakech, etc for recommendations and for what they paid), and be prepared to bargain very hard.... the industry here is smooth and deceivingly vicious.

On the first night, most groups end up at a pre-setup camp circle at the base of some large dunes, where the various tour operators have their Berber tents set up. Dinner will be cooked here, perhaps some music played, and you can frolic on the sand dunes under zillions of stars. If you're only on a 1 day trip, then you'll wake early, have some tea/breakfast, and head back before it gets hot. Others will hang out during the day, beating the heat in the tents all day, and either spend another night here or venture further out beyond the dunes and stay with a berber family, where you'll then set out to return early on the third morning. A few operators have their own private camps that will offer a more remote experience, ask around if this is what you seek. This provides a more intimate setting with fewer people and noise where you can relax and enjoy the stars. Cost a little bit more but worth it. Also check to see if showers are included after the camel trek. edit

It is also possible to tour the dunes on ATVs, but this is highlydiscouraged.... You're destroying the beauty of what you came to see in the first place, and severely ruining the remote experience that most people are here enjoying on a camel.

More tours are proposing in Merzouga desert, like[www.merzouga-tours.com] did, (☎ 00212 66 77 66 236), mail :info@merzouga-tours.com. An exceptionel experience with camels, 4x4, quad, ski, snowboard on the top on the dunes, etc. Sleeping in 3 stars hotels or in tent under millions of stars. A real nomad experience during 1 night or 1 month. For exemple, 1 night in the middle of the dunes in berbere tent, 4 hours going and come back with camels, with diner and breakfast, berbere music at night (drums), cost 30 euros.

If you are planning a trip around Jan 27 - Feb 2, 2013, you might join the Road Junky Retreat [2] when up to 30 travellers spend a week in the dunes with meditation and dance workshops as well as music and storytelling around the fire.

Eat[edit][add listing]

Most people eat meals at their lodge, but a few basic restaurants are scattered around the town if you are in need.

Mac Adil, (Just opposite the Supratours office). edit Great food, cheap prices (20-30dh for a main). Good place to try the Berber Tajine if you haven't already, though expect a long wait (typical for a tajine) as meals are made fresh. Vegetarian tajine is also excellent with a tasty sauce that the owner is very proud of.
Haven La Chance, Hassi Labaid, ☎ +212.66859.9340, [3].Arrange lunches at Haven La Chance Desert Hotel. Either by the hotel or in the desert itself. Popular is pizza cooked in the sand as the nomads do. edit
Ali Mouni, Hotel Nomad Palace, Merzouga (2 kms south of Merzouga), ☎ 00212661563611, [4]. 4x4 excursions around to behind the dunes, see the mines, fossil farms, visit nomad families; excursions to dinosaur prints, ancient rock, ruined Portugeuse fortress, desert villages; overnight camel trips edit

Sleep[edit][add listing]

There are about 50 small hotels of varying categories along the sand dunes, and most of them own camels or can at least arrange your trip into the dunes.

Complexe touristique de Merzouga, B.pn 49 merzouga centre taouz cercle rissani (500 m from the centre of merzouga), ☎ +212.535576322 (chez_sadoq@hotmail.com),[5]. it is the nearest hotel to the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, Mr Sadoq and his qualified staff will make sure that your experience is unique, and put under your disposition all our services: Hotel, Restaurant, Snack, Bar, Terrasse, Piscine, Bivouac, and Excurtion with 4x4 or Camel.42 rooms including suites and a royal suite are under your disposition. €30 per person, breakfast and dinner included. edit

Les pyramides hotel, Ksar Merzouga 52202 BP 41 Errachidia MAROC, ☎ +212.67013.7673 (alimarzouga@yahoo.fr), [6].Located right on the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, Ali and his staff will host you night and day, 24 / day to give you the best service €20 per person, breakfast and dinner included. edit

Auberge Berberes, ☎ +212.6810.3178(auberge_berberes@yahoo.fr), [7]. Located right on the edge of the dunes, offering single, double and triple rooms. €20-30 per person, breakfast and dinner included. edit

Auberge du Sud, ☎ +212.66121.6166(aubergedusud@gmail.com, fax: +212.3557.8631), [8]. On the edge of the dunes, all rooms come with private bathroom. Swimming pool, camel safaris. €15-40 per person, breakfast and dinner included. edit

Auberge Les Dunes D'or, ☎ +212.6135.0665(reservation@aubergedunesdor.com, fax: +212.3557.7146),[9]. edit

Auberge Sahara Hotel, Ksar Hassi Labiad, ☎+212.3557.7039, Mobile:+212.6676.6355 (info@auberge-sahara-merzouga.com, fax: +212.3557.7303), [10]. Clean hotel in a oasis at the edge of erg chebbi sand dunes run by flexible staff. Swimming pool, restaurant, free parking, and a variety of accommodation options including camping under palm trees. Camel safaris and various trips around the area can be arranged. edit

Chez Julia, ☎ +212.3557.3182, Mobile +212.7018.1360.Spotless clean, very friendly French/English/German speaking staff, great meals (tajines can be shared). From 130dh.. edit

Dar el Khamlia, Ksar Khamlia, ☎ +212.7091.4351(info@khamliahouse.com), [11]. Dar el Khamlia is just outside of Merzouga, offering lodging for those who like to be more near the local people. Comfortable rooms, meals included. Camel trekking into dunes, excursions by 4x4, pick up at airport Errachidia, Ouarzazate or Marrakesh. edit

Desert Fish, ☎ +212.7208.5113. Right next to the sand dunes. A bivouac with a space to eat and relax and very nice, comfortable Berber tents. The place is managed by some very friendly, young boys. The Berber tents are nice and clean, there are three good showers, the food is good, they play live Gnaoua music after dinner. edit

Haven La Chance Desert Hotel, Hassi Lybed, ☎+212.53557.7269 +212.66859.9340 (info@desert-hotel.com),[12]. Modern, comfortable hotel right next to the sand dunes and palm trees. A new swimming pool (11 meters by 6 meters) has been added. Most rooms are en-suite, 12 Berber tents next to the hotel for the more adventurous. Singles / doubles with en-suite toilet and shower. Home made local food for dinner as well as breakfast is included in the price, The owners also run a tour company, www.bluemenofmorocco.com, that can organize tours around Morocco for individuals, families and small groups. Caravan parking with showers also located by the hotel. N31.08'031" W004.01'128" €17-30 per person with half board. edit

Hotel Yasmina, ☎ +212.3557.6783 (yasminadesert@yahoo.fr,fax: +212.3577.4071), [13]. Yasmina is located right on the bottom of the dunes of Erg Chebbi, on a hill with great views of the dunes. Pool, on site restaurant and camel safaris. from €20-45 per person, breakfast and dinner included. edit

Ksar Bicha, ☎ +212.5355.77113 (info@ksarbicha.com, fax:+212.5355.73410). A traditional, family-run kasbah with views of the dunes from the roof terrace. En suite rooms arranged around two plant-filled courtyards. English, French, Spanish, German and Italian are spoken. edit

Les Portes du Desert, ☎ +212.7369.4601(lesportesdudesert@free.fr, fax: +212.3557.7930), [14]. A comfortable hotel decorated in a mix of Arabesque, Andalusian and European styles. Pool, on site restaurant, and camel safaris. €26-50 per person, breakfast and dinner included. edit

Nasser Palace, Ksar Hassilabied, ☎ +212.7078.0028(info@nasserpalace.com, fax: +212.3557.8010), [15]. Nasser Palace is a hotel with swimming pool and spa located on the dunes of Merzouga. 20 rooms with private toilets, bivouac and camel trekkings on Sahara dunes. €25-45 per person including breakfast and dinner. edit

Hotel Nomad Palace, Ksar Merzouga 52202(info@hotelnomadpalace.com), ☎ +212662191244, [16].Hotel Nomad Palace is located outside Merzouga, on the way to Taouz, before Khamlia. Comfortable, quiet, with terraces, swimming pool, restaurant, all rooms with private bathrooms,suite with king size beds. Half board included. Camel treks, 4x4 tours and pick up form any airport. Other tours can be arranged. edit

Ali & Sara's Desert Palace (thedesertpalace@hotmail.com),erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga, ☎ +212 (0) 668 95 01 44. Ali & Sara's Desert Palace, nestled in a secluded setting within the erg Chebbi dunes, Merzouga, a place where you can unwind and relax. large, private traditional style desert tents, clean, comfortable beds with duvets and pillows; shower and western style toilet rooms. Food is freshly prepared using local produce and and catered to individual preference. Service is on hand, but unobtrusive. edit
Kasbah Ramlia (Kasbah Ramlia),desiertomarrakechfes@gmail.com (sahara desert), ☎ 212 671 562 521, [17]. Kasbah Ramlia is a small cozy hotel in the middle of the desert! It is very simple, the decoration is very special, every room has a theme, you can find the typical Morocco tapestry, hand craft and furniture. If you are looking for a place to rest, to be calm where the only sound you hear is the wind from.. edit