Flight from Nice to Fes

Fes is a jewel, that of the Arab-Andalusian culture that reigned over both sides of the Mediterranean for most of the Middle Ages. The sultan Idriss I, its founder, dreamed of an exceptional destiny for the newly created city. His wish came true, as its medieval walls have been home to a string of philosophers, writers and other intellectuals over the centuries. The city even came to be known as the “Athens of Africa”, which speaks volumes.
Fes has preserved numerous traces of its glorious past. The imperial palace, Kairaouine mosque, madrassas (former religious schools for studying Islam) and the 24 kilometres of medieval walls surrounding the medina are all well worth a visit, whether as a couple or with friends. However, the imperial city’s appeal doesn’t just lie in its stunning heritage. It also thrives thanks to its craftspeople and traders. They keep traditional leather and copper making techniques alive, and give the souks their vibrant atmosphere. It’s almost impossible not to be drawn in!

• Lose yourself in one of the largest medinas in North Africa! Colourful and picturesque, with its sophisticated neighbourhoods and more down-to-earth quarters, overflowing with centuries of history, Fes old town is one of the most beautiful towns that you’ll ever visit.
• Admire Kairaouine mosque, a place of worship as well as education, since it houses one of the oldest universities in the Arab world. Only Muslims are allowed inside (a law enacted by Marshal Lyautey!), but its many columns, doors and carved façades are still beautiful to behold from the outside.
• To get a true feel of the work of bygone architects and builders, visit the city’s main madrassas. Madrassas are former religious schools where a studious yet refined atmosphere pervades. Not to be missed: Bou Inania and Al-Attarine.
• Discover two of the city’s traditional crafts: copper work - of which some of the most eye-catching examples can be found in Seffarine square - and leather work, which makes the Chouara neighbourhood - the long-standing home of the tanneries - so lively.
• Why not visit the king of Morocco? The Royal Palace of Fes is just a few kilometres outside the city. Because it is an official government residence, tourists are not allowed inside. However, it is still well worth visiting, if only to contemplate its seven magnificent bronze doors. And the lovely gardens adjacent to the palace are open to visitors.
• Try your hand at bartering, oriental-style, with the traders vying to sell their wares at the souks in Fes. A vibrant arts and crafts hub since its foundation, the city offers a host of refined and authentic goods to buy: jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, and more. You’ll even find a souk dedicated to henna!
• Take a look inside the Museum of wooden objects. The visit is bound to leave its mark - not so much for the collection of objects (though impressive) as for the building that houses them: Fondouk el-Nejjarine, an 18th century caravanserai. A beautifully renovated gem!
• Treat yourself to a relaxing break in local style by stopping at the hammam. You’ll find hammams to suit all tastes: the luxury model in the city’s finest hotels, or the more traditional hammams in the medina. The city boasts around 40 in total!
• Forget about burgers and turn your attention to local cuisine: couscous, tagines, pastilla (or meat pie)... The list goes on. With its tender meat, enchanting spices and honey-sweetened delights, Moroccan cuisine is one of the best in the Mediterranean.
• Enjoy a glass of Moroccan wine. Guerrouane, Coteaux de l’Atlas, and Boulaouane won’t disappoint, especially if you take time to select the country’s best vintages.