Que faire à Fès ?

What to do in Fez?

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You want go to Fez and you wish Planning a few visits ? You hope not to miss anything during your stay ? We understand, because indeed, it's a a city brimming with buildings boasting incredible architecture and places to visit Absolutely. We often go to Fez. to meet the artisans who work on our collections . So, What to do in Fez ? In this article, we suggest... 12 places to discover !

The gates of Fez

Fez is a historical treasure of Morocco. It reveals a heritage of rare splendor, particularly through its ancient gates.

These doors, bab In Arabic, they do not only serve to provide access to the city. Indeed, they embody centuries of history, bearing witness to bygone eras. Among them, the indispensable Bab Bou Jeloud , adorned with blue and green earthenware tiles. It bears witness to several centuries of existence.

Each of these gates is an invitation to delve into the city's history. Visiting the gates of Fez is essential to understanding the evolution of this imperial city.

Among the gates of Fez, we can mention:

  • Bab Guissa , one of the most beautiful, in an Arab-Andalusian style.
  • Bab Mahrouk , the western gate of the old city.
  • Bab Bou Jeloud , the unmissable.
  • Bab Dekkakin , a gate steeped in history.
  • Bab Segma , less known and more authentic.
  • Bab el-Semmarine , the gateway to the tanners' quarter.

The medina

The medina of Fez is a medieval quarter listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This speaks volumes about the historical treasure it represents! Its many narrow streets and traditional architecture captivate visitors with their authenticity.

This district is home to admirable architectural works, ancient mosques, and ancestral crafts. The medina immerses you in the rich heritage of Morocco. Discovering the medina of Fez is like taking a journey through time, where each alleyway of this labyrinth reveals a piece of history and age-old trades.

With its lively markets, you'll be in the right place to equip yourself with a djellaba or a gandoura Pack it in your suitcase!

⇒ Are you unsure how to distinguish between the different traditional outfits? Our models should help you.

The tanneries of the Chouara district

For those with a keen sense of smell, the tanneries of Fez are a must-see. You'll be immersed in the ancestral craft of leatherwork. These historic tanneries, in the heart of the medina, offer a captivating spectacle where artisans work with leather according to traditions passed down through generations.

Visitors can admire the dyeing process in colorful vats. It's much more than just a visit: it's an authentic immersion in leather craftsmanship, revealing the extent of the work behind these prized products.

If you appreciate fine leatherwork, you will undoubtedly love leaving Fez with a bag or a pair of slippers !

The Rcif mosque

This mosque is discreet, yet steeped in history. It is nestled in the heart of the medina. Although less well-known than some of the city's other iconic mosques, the Rcif Mosque exudes a great deal of serenity.

Its simple yet elegant architecture is very characteristic of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.

Worshippers gather there for their daily prayers, creating an atmosphere steeped in piety. For visitors, this mosque offers an authentic glimpse into religious practice within the medina, far from the hustle and bustle of more frequented tourist sites.

The souks

The souks offer a unique immersion into local culture and traditional crafts. These lively markets are very authentic. They offer a diverse range of goods:

  • handcrafted objects;
  • of local products;
  • of unique creations.

Visiting the souks is like stepping into the very soul of a city, mingling with its inhabitants, and discovering their skills and traditions. It's also a chance to find authentic souvenirs while enjoying an unforgettable sensory experience. Indeed, between the vibrant colors, captivating aromas, and picturesque charm of these traditional markets, you'll be transported to another world (and charmed!).

Among the souks of Fez, we can mention:

  • Souk el Henna. This is one of the oldest souks in the medina. Historically, it sold exclusively henna and traditional cosmetic products (such as ghassoul, rose water, black soap, etc.).
  • Souk R'cif . It is one of the largest souks in the medina. Fishmongers, butchers, fruit and vegetable vendors or dried meat sellers, you will find all types of food products that make up Moroccan gastronomy.
  • Souk Attarine . It is essentially the market for spices and perfumes.
  • Souk Tilliss . It is a market specializing in the sale of carpets.
  • Souk Haïk . It's a market selling traditionally woven goods. You can find fabrics there that artisans use to make... traditional clothing .
  • Souk Bou Jeloud, Near which you will find places to eat.

Talaa Kebira Street

Lined with artisan shops, small businesses, and colorful stalls, Talaa Kebira Street is a must-see. There, you can discover local crafts, find beautiful souvenirs, and lose yourself in the typical bustle of the souks.

But beyond shopping, Talaa Kebira Street offers a window into the daily lives of the inhabitants, with its traditional shops, busy locals and lively atmosphere.

The al-Attarine madrassa

There Al-Attarine Madrasa is much more than just an architectural marvel in Fez. Indeed, this place embodies the excellence of Islamic teaching and art. The term madrassa refers to religious educational institutions in Muslim countries.

Dating from the 14th century, this madrassa owes its name to the herb and spice merchants, as it is located near the spice souk. It is adorned with zellige tiles and carved woodwork, illustrating the pinnacle of Moroccan craftsmanship .

Visitors discover a true cultural treasure as they wander through its classrooms. The Al-Attarine madrassa thus offers an immersion into the history of education and spirituality in Fez.

Jnan Sbil Park

Whenever you feel like taking a little break from the frenetic pace of the medina, you can find some peace and quiet in Jnan Sbil Park.

Formerly known as the Bou Jeloud Garden, it was created in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Abdallah. Its transformation into a public park took place in 1918 during the period when Morocco was under French protectorate.

Lush nature, fountains and shaded paths invite you to rest, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The caravanserai (or Fondouk Nejjarine)

The Fondouk Nejjarine is one of the city's old caravanserais. Historically, it was a place where merchants could store their goods while stopping in the city.

Today, the caravanserai has been restored and houses the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts. It is a major tourist attraction for those wishing to discover the artisanal and commercial history of Fez.

The Andalusian Mosque

The Andalusian Mosque, or Masjid al-Andalus reflects the Andalusian influence in the history of Fez.

This mosque, dating from the 9th century, symbolizes the era when Fez was a refuge for Andalusian Muslims fleeing the Spanish reconquest.

Thus, its architecture blends Hispano-Moorish elements. Like many places of worship, it offers an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. Although modest compared to other mosques in the city, the Andalusian Mosque is rich in history and symbolism. It offers an opportunity to delve into a fascinating chapter of Moroccan history, illustrating the cultural diversity that has enriched the city of Fez over the centuries.

Seffarine Square

Nestled in the heart of the medina, Place Seffarine offers visitors an unforgettable immersion in traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. This place is renowned for its coppersmiths who hammer copper with extraordinary dexterity, creating unique pieces.

The creation of unique pieces is inherent to craftsmanship. This is what gives it its charm, and it is for this reason that minug wanted to work with local artisans for the making of its traditional outfits.

Discover our traditional outfits.

The Batha Museum

This museum is a must-see to grasp the full cultural dimension of the region. Among the historical and artistic treasures displayed at the Batha Museum are:

  • wooden sculptures,
  • Fassi embroidery,
  • Berber rugs,
  • old musical instruments.
  • a collection of Moroccan ceramics, dating in particular from the 14th century

Most of these objects display the famous blue hue emblematic of Fez, obtained through the use of cobalt.

The museum also has an Andalusian garden where you can rest for a moment before returning to the rhythm of the city.

If you were wondering What to do in Fez ? We hope we've answered your question! With these With 12 iconic locations , you'll have plenty to fill your days with discoveries and wonder. Of course, the list isn't exhaustive, and the locals will certainly be delighted to offer their suggestions! And if your suitcases are full when you return, know that we offer, in our online store , of traditional Moroccan outfits made by Moroccan artisans . So, don't panic if you forgot to buy a traditional gandoura or a pair of slippers , you can find the same authenticity and the same know-how .