Morocco is a fascinating, multi-faceted country, providing breathtaking landscapes, historic cities, a rich culture, together with age-old traditions. I decided to visit Morocco embarking on an adventurous off-the-beaten-track SUV road trip to carry out a photo reportage, travelling the lesser-known routes and discovering the hidden wonders of this area.

Exploring the Vibrant Streets of Fez
My journey began in Fez, the oldest imperial city in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fez is famous for its medina, the largest and best-preserved historic city centre in the Arab world, where it is possible to admire mosques, madrasas, palaces, and souks as well as multi-coloured, fragrant markets.
I visited the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, the oldest university in the world, the mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the city’s founder, alongside the Chouara tannery, where leather is worked using traditional methods.
I was enchanted by the sounds, smells, and flavours of this lively and authentic city.

The Peaceful Blue Medina of Chefchaouen
From Fez, I headed towards Chefchaouen, the blue city of Morocco. Situated in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen has a unique, picturesque appearance. All houses, streets, and doors are painted blue, the colour of peace and spirituality.
I strolled through the medina, admiring craft shops, fountains, and squares. I tasted couscous, the typical Moroccan dish made from wheat semolina and vegetables, while sipping mint tea, the national drink. I breathed in the fresh, clean air of this peaceful, relaxing city.

Into the Sahara: Merzouga and the Dunes
From Chefchaouen, I went in the direction of Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Merzouga is a small oasis at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, the tallest and most spectacular in Morocco.
I reached the desert on camelback, tackling both the sand and the heat. I witnessed the sunset over the dunes, admiring the colours changing from yellow to orange to red. I slept in a Berber tent under the starry sky, listening to the silence and the music of the wind. I experienced an unforgettable, magical adventure.

Discovering the Culture of Rissani
From Merzouga, I stopped in Rissani, a historic, commercial city. Rissani is known for its weekly market, where local products such as dates, spices, handicraft products, as well as animals are sold.
I visited the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the ancestor of the Alaouite dynasty that reigns over Morocco, together with the kasbah of Oulad Abdelhalim, a 17th-century fortress.
I savoured the Berber pizza, a focaccia stuffed with meat and vegetables, as well as the madfouna, a dish made from minced meat and eggs. I discovered the culture and history of this ancient, vibrant city.

The Sights and Sounds of Marrakesh
From Rissani, I reached Marrakesh, the red city of Morocco. Marrakesh is a modern, cosmopolitan city, yet which also has a wealth of monuments and traditions.
I visited Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the pulsating heart of the city, where musicians, jugglers, snake charmers, and storytellers perform. I paid a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, the main symbol of the city with its 77m minaret, the Bahia Palace, a princely residence with gardens and mosaics, and the Majorelle Garden, an oasis of greenery and art created by Jacques Majorelle in collaboration with Yves Saint Laurent.
I shopped in the souks, the labyrinthine markets where it is possible to find everything from carpets to jewellery, spices, and perfumes.
I enjoyed the pastilla, a savoury pie filled with chicken, almonds, and icing sugar, as well as the tajine, a dish with meat and vegetables cooked in a terracotta pot.
I breathed the unique, fascinating atmosphere of this vibrant city of contrasts.

A Journey to Remember
My journey to Morocco was an incredible, unforgettable experience. I discovered a country steeped in beauty, diversity, and hospitality. I experienced some rather intense, profound emotions.
I brought back with me some priceless, unforgettable memories. Morocco is a country you will never forget.