A thousand-year-old medina full of opulent souks, artisan workshops and palaces from the Thousand and One Nights, Fez is the capital of an authentic Morocco, witness to the golden age of Arab-Andalusian civilization.
To immerse yourself in this bustling universe of sounds, colors and scents, here are our best addresses.
To discover
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What to visit in Fez?
Madrasas
The Karaouyine mosque is the emblem of the city of Fez, one of the oldest and most illustrious in the Muslim world.
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The medina of Fez El-Bali is the city of madrassahs, places of teaching of Islamic sciences that the Merinid dynasty sowed in the 14th century as so many witnesses to the richness of its decorative art.
Our favorites: the Bou Inania Madrasa, the largest with a (beautiful) minaret, and the Attarine Madrasa, a masterpiece of Marinid art with its courtyard chiselled with mosaics, stucco and carved wood and, as a bonus , a view of the dazzling courtyard of the Karaouiyine mosque from the 2nd floor.
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Friday noon for the Bou Inania Madrasa).
Entrance approximately €1.85.
Madrasa Bou Inania Talaa Kebira.
Madrasa Attarine rue Attarine.
Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts
Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts.
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Admirably restored by the best master craftsmen of Fez, this beautiful fondouk (caravanserai) is dedicated to one of the city's excellent know-how with on three floors, the countless variations of woodworking, from bridal chests to musical instruments.
You can also take a mint tea break on the terrace with a view of the medina.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entrance approximately €1.85.
Nejjarine Square.
Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss
Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss.
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In the heart of the medina, beams close a block of alleys halfway up the height of men: beyond this deterrent barrier for donkeys, the perimeter around the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, founder of the city of Fez, is sacred.
Access to the sanctuary is not authorized for non-Muslims but you can peek into the tomb room and appreciate the intense fervor of the faithful: the ballet is incessant.
Jnan Sbil Garden
Jnan Sbil Garden.
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Washingtonia palm trees touching the sky, bamboo bushes, monumental Aleppo pines or Belombras and an immense body of water populated with egrets... Created in the 18th century, this beautiful Andalusian garden is a beneficial oasis of greenery emerging from the minerality of the Medina.
Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where to sit in Fez?
Foundouk Bazaar
Foundouk Bazaar.
Press photo
In a former fondouk, this recent address draws its inspiration from the Mediterranean region with delicious fusion dishes (like an original chicken with orange and saffron).
Everything is locally sourced and homemade, from the bread to the condiments.
At the helm, a team of people crazy about Fez and gastronomy.
Mezze formula (€8.7 for 3), main course from €7.8, dessert from €3.7.
Foundouk Bazaar, 16 Talaa Kbira.
Such.
: +212 (0)5 35 63 81 04.
Dar Ori
Far from the long menus, we enjoy in a superb setting - a beautiful 17th century riad with an intact patina - excellent traditional cuisine (pastilla, tagines, salads, etc.) and dishes to order in advance (like the chicken trid) without breaking the bank: menus from €15 to €38.
Dar Ori, 2 derb Sayour.
R’Cif.
Such.
: + 212 (0)6 18 45 37 38.
Fez Cafe
Fez Café.
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Buried in the lush vegetation of the Jardin des Biehn, a madly poetic riad, this is an address that we never tire of.
In a fanciful rural bistro decor, fresh cuisine revisits the classics.
Dish from 13€.
Every day except Thursday.
Menu (€41.5) and musical evening on Saturday.
Fez Café, 13 Akbat Sbaa, Douh.
Such.
:+212 (0)5 35 63 50 31.
Where to drink tea?
Ruined Garden
Ruined Garden.
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Between sections of walls, secret corners and abundant plants, this immense riad garden offers a refreshing break, including for a Moroccan lunch.
Around €2.3 for tea, to be accompanied by a succulent fig and date cake (€3.7).
Ruined Garden, 15 Derb Idrissy Sidi Ahmed Chaoui.
Cafe Clock
Facing the minaret of the Bou Inania madrasa, the terrace of Café Clock is the meeting place for local youth: the place is focused on exchanges and culture, with a calendar of concerts, calligraphy and cooking classes, dance sessions. cinema, etc.
Clock Café, 7 derb Al Magana.
Such.
: +212(0)5 35 63 78 55.
Where to have a drink?
Jungle Bar
Jungle Bar.
Klaus Mellenthin
Breathtaking views of the medina and chic decor in a jungle spirit... The Jungle Bar, bar at the Sahrai hotel, is popular with the golden youth of Fez who appreciate its lounge spirit.
In the summer, the rooftop is a must for a drink with a 360° panorama.
Around €13 per cocktail.
Hotel Sahrai, Bab Lghoul.
Dhar El Mehraz.
Such.
: +212 (0)5 35 94 03 32.
Golden Bar
Golden Bar.
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A great address for the famous
golden hour
!
Large bay windows which reveal, like a cinema screen, the myriad roofs of the medina and a cozy atmosphere, all adorned with gold... On the top floor of the Palais Faraj, we embark at the Golden Bar for a cruise in the sky of Fez.
Around €13 per cocktail.
Faraj Palace, Bab Ziat.
Such.
+212 (0)5 35 63 53 56.
Where to sleep in Fez?
Riad Le Caliph
Riad Le Caliph.
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A stone's throw from the R'cif market, this riad is the work of a Franco-Moroccan couple, Alexandre and Yasmine, lovers of Fez and passionate bargain hunters.
From the lounge/library in a cabinet of curiosities style to the 7 rooms and suites, noble materials and collectibles make up a warm universe with personalized service.
From €115 for a double room (19 m2), €150 for a suite (36 to 56m2) breakfast included.
Riad Le Caliph, 19 bis Derb El Ourbiya.
Such.
: +212 (0)535 76 26 08.
Riad Fez
Riad Fez.
Eric Schreiner
Arab-Andalusian patio with colonnades lined with stucco and zelliges or contemporary patio in pure style, this Relais & Châteaux offers 30 rooms and suites the art of living of the great families of Fez, including that of the hammam with Cinq Mondes spa and swimming pool heated.
From €231 for a classic room, €463 for an Ambassador suite.
Riad Fès Hotel Relais & Châteaux, 5 Derb Zerbtana.
Such.
: +212 (0)5 35 74 12 06.
Faraj Palace
Faraj Palace.
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Carefully restored by its owners, a family from Fez, this palace is a vibrant tribute to Arab-Andalusian refinement.
The careful decor of the 31 rooms and suites subtly combines contemporary design and tradition as in the library, a jewel of Arab-Andalusian craftsmanship.
It is also an excellent Moroccan gastronomy restaurant.
From €206 for the classic suite, €275 for the Junior suite.
Palais Faraj Suites & Spa, Bab Ziat.
Such.
: +212 (0)5 35 63 53 56.