By choosing Morocco as a destination, we opt for the beauty of the landscapes, the refined cuisine and the kindness of the Moroccans. This country offers, just like France, an extraordinary variety of landscapes which range from simply beautiful to grandiose. The sea itself is double, Atlantic and Mediterranean, an aquatic twin that brings its share of contrasts in atmospheres and cultures.
Arriving inTangieris a delightful first step. The Mediterranean, a deep blue, which merges with the sky against which the houses clinging to Cape Spartel are silhouetted. The first step is staggering, we hesitate, are we in the East or still in the West. The port of Tangier, a veritable city teeming with activity, with high-tech infrastructure, so extensive that the eye cannot take in everything at once. The city, where we meet all populations and all languages, can be discovered in small steps. Here a church, there a souk and then alleys which sometimes recall Sète or Marseille. Winding and shaded, they penetrate into old Tangier along steep gardens which hide houses that Colette could have located in Normandy or Burgundy.
From the sulphurous reputation which dates from the era of international management, all that remains is a relentless desire to perpetuate a tradition of cultural mixing. Everywhere, painters and craftsmen are in the spotlight, there are numerous galleries, and there are numerous and well-attended musical events.
After this first stimulating bath, why not discoverFez. A medieval town, a medina sumptuous with history and heritage. Here it is Sufi culture which brings its esoteric mystery, it is the works of art which abound in the city which arouse curiosity and delight the eye. The journey is now in time and it is the splendor of the Orient, the warlike as well as spiritual values that are revealed. From palaces to dark alleys we sail towards other places and other times.
A quick leap towards contrast, Agadir, resolutely modernist architecture, wonderful beaches and a perpetual party atmosphere that makes you hesitate Ibiza or Agadir?
By deciding to push on to Marrakech, it’s another atmosphere, another Morocco. A population that is determined to laugh and joke, a joyful mayhem, a tradition palpable everywhere. The medina, which has the advantage of being inhabited by Moroccans, is an exuberant kaleidoscope. Tradition is everywhere, but it is made of openness and curiosity about others. The city’s gardens are the image of a refined Orient which could not conceive of life without the song of water, the beauty of flowers and the delicate scents of rare essences.
The cities all bring surprises, but what can we say about the grandiose landscapes of the Atlas. Green valleys that we discover at the bend of a stone desert, oases like dreams, wild coves that have looked out over the Atlantic since the dawn of time. Even the cuisine will leave no respite, each region, each village brings its wealth of flavors, smells and colors.
MOROCCO SPACE
