(Tämä blogi on kirjoitettu vain englanniksi...)
Before my first motorcycle tour to Morocco, before my first step inside any Medina, I knew I loved Morocco. In my youth, I had the chance to taste a hundred times the delicious Moroccan Cuisine, and Mint Tea rituals had no secrets to me.
I was in my early 20s when I visited Morocco the first time. My mom just passed away. I was grieving and needing to move forward in my life... With my best friend, we decided to travel to Morocco for two weeks. The journey was a therapy in my mourning process. I found beauty and peace of mind... I returned back home stronger and ready for a better future. Thankful for the experience.
Later, I kept returning to Morocco. Now, mainly on a motorcycle tour, I love exploring different regions of the beautiful country. The landscapes, the historical cities, the Medinas, the Atlas Mountains, the hospitality of the people... There are so many reasons that keep me traveling back to Morocco...
Here for you, my selected 7 reasons why I fell in love for Morocco...
1 The Atlas Mountains
For a biker, riding the Atlas Mountains in Morocco is a dream come true.
Seeing the spectacular mountains on film or paper is nothing compared to the exciting feeling of motorcycling through the beautiful mountains. Believe me, it is stunning!
Did you know that the Atlas Mountains cover most of Morocco? They start near the Atlantic Ocean Coast with Marrakech at the tip. The Mountains stretch across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, and separate the coasts from the monumental Sahara.
On our motorcycle tour in Morocco, you explore twice a year, Spring and Autumn, the famous part of the Mountains, the High Atlas Mountains in central Morocco and the Middle Atlas in the North-East of the country.
Autumn and Spring are the ideal times to visit Morocco, not too hot and not too cold in the mountains.
Nowadays, the roads are in great condition and the traffic is very smooth. Great combination to ask for a motorcycling trip isn’t it?
Adventure on motorcycling in the Atlas Mountains is a top experience I recommend to all bikers!
One of the driving highlights on our tour is the ride in the massive canyons of the Todgha Gorges.
Passing through the red canyons is so awesome moment.
Just imagine…
You are crossing impressive canyons with stunning red walls that reach over 400 meters above (yes, higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris!) No surprise that the site is a known mecca for rock climbing!
Another exciting experience in the Atlas Mountains is the drive in the Dadès Valley.
Wow! It is absolutely a-ma-zing!
A ride in the fantastic curves take you up high in the Atlas Mountains with phenomenal view on the Valley.
Between 1,500 to 2,000 meters altitude, the thrilling curves in these rugged cliffs are perfect to give you the fantastic adrenaline kicks you came for…
Without a doubt, Morocco is a biker's Heaven in Africa!
2 The Sahara Dunes
My last motorcycling tour to Morocco was in Springtime. It was amazing!
After few days driving, our motorcycle group arrived at the small village of Merzouga in the southeast of Morocco. From there, we needed to change “vehicle” to access the mysterious Sahara Dunes.
A group of peaceful camels was waiting for us. I didn't know what to expect. Excited and curious, I started the new ride... It was so cool!
The landscapes were spectacular! I was charmed by the beauty of the Desert. What a memorable experience it was, riding on a camel through the gorgeous dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert. Unforgettable!
It was my first time (and will not be my last ;) ) trekking in the Sahara Dunes. I loved every single moment of it!
Like in a time machine…I was transported back in time in the African desert. Camel trekking is fun! So glad I experienced it in Morocco. A thousand years ancient practice that is so big part in Morocco’s history and traditions.
For you who have never gone camel trekking in the Sahara, try it in Morocco! Just imagine…
You are surrounded with large golden dunes of sand, stretching as far as your eyes can see...
There are no buildings, no machines, no cars, no plants, only camels and you, modern explorers.
Sitting high up on a camel is not easy and you feel strange, out of your comfort zone. Yep. You are far away from your modern life. You are a stranger entering an ancient world.... So exciting!
Just relax. Let your body adapt to the rhythm of the animal… He moves slowly. You can hear him breathing… Let him be your guide. In the desert, he is the expert. It's his world.
Listen... Nothing! Wow...
Relaxing isn’t it? No other noise than the camels and you.
This particular moment, living like a nomad in the Sahara Desert, is an incredible experience. An eye-opening moment to remember.
Maybe the dunes are magical. Maybe the scenery is charming you. It must be. Your senses are calmed. Your mind is at peace. You feel relax and enjoying the ride… Extraordinary how the desert is so captivating!
After this peaceful ride, you arrive at a beautiful Berber camp. Your host offers you a refreshing drink, your comfortable tent is ready for you. All looks perfect. A traditional Berber meal and a relaxing evening, time for you to enjoy a lovely night in the peaceful Saharan Desert.
Early in the morning, don’t miss the sunrise in the desert!
Wake up early, and go for a walk through the soft sea of golden dunes. Be ready to memorise the blissful moment… A breathtaking moment when the sunrise raise above the spectacular dunes of the Sahara Desert. Unforgettable!
3 Medinas Labyrinths
Are you like me? Do you like history and mysterious old cities? Good. Morocco’s Medinas will not disappoint you.
But what exactly is a Medina?
A Medina is the old part of a Moroccan’s city that dates back to the Middle Ages. They are ancient walls in the heart of major cities with beautiful gates. Each medina in each city is a fascinating cultural center mixing Berber, Arab and European influences.
On our motorcycle tour in Morocco, we choose to stop in Marrakech and in Fès to give you time to explore the famous Medinas.
The access is through ancient gates, gorgeous relics of the Moroccan past. In the evening, the life is even more vibrant. In Fès, don't miss a walk by the Blue Gate. Its mosaics are beautiful! And under a dark indigo sky, the monument looks like a gemstone!
Each Medina in Morocco is unique. As soon as you step inside the ancient walls, the atmosphere changes. Life in a Medina is more intense. Here, you are stepping to the historic heart of the old city and everything is so captivating. Impossible to stay indifferent during your visit! The hectic energy of the place is quickly capturing you… It is fascinating.
Like nowhere else in the world, the life inside the defensive ramparts is incredibly active. Noisy, different, hypnotic, surprising... It is unbelievable!
Nothing here in a Medina is boring!
Here, you will be amazed by the impressive amount of tiny artisan shops, cafés, fountains, mosques, palaces, riads, museums… Incredible!
Everyday, tens of thousands of people are visiting, shopping, eating, exploring the Medinas Labyrinths... And few hundreds of others are working, praying, restoring, living inside the ancient walls.
As a visitor, I recommend you to dig deeper into a Medina mysteries with the help of a local guide. You will save time and the luxury to get lost to the chaotic pace.
You will discover thousands of small old stores, packed with huge amounts of local handcrafts for everyone. From clothing, pottery, leather, lamps, teapots, jewellery to fresh food like meat, bread, sweets, spices… You can find almost anything in a Medina!
The streets are very narrow. No cars inside the walls, only a few old bikes and scooters. Sadly, few donkeys are still working there, pulling old cart in the old labyrinth...
Here, apart from electricity and improved plumbing, little has changed in the Medina... Time moves slowly inside the ancient walls.
You can’t be in a hurry when you visit. You must take your time. Forget your modern world and traditional shopping experience. The shopping rules are different. Here, the Ancient Moroccan lifestyle is king. And it works! Tourists love it, people enjoy it. A Medina visit is always an unexpected experience. It's fun!
Do like me, bring home a beautiful Moroccan craft. Go for it! You found the “Ali Baba” cave, enjoy it!
4 Colours and Crafts
Stepping in the narrow streets of the Medinas, discovering the traditional crafts and splendid colours on the potteries, lamps and ceramics, all these are incredible experiences that make me love Morocco even more each time.
Warm and rich colours are everywhere!
The Atlas mountains, the Sahara Desert, the traditional crafts, the food, the ceramics, the music… The colourful palette is striking the senses. Anything but beige and grey exists in Morocco. I love that!
Each time I travel to Morocco, each time I am riding through a Moroccan village, each time I am wondering around a medina, I am bathing in a voluptuous sea of mixed colours. So stimulating!
Let’s understand more about the beautiful heritage…
In the past, different cultures have influenced the Moroccan traditional colours and crafts, Berber, Moorish, Arab, French…
Nowadays, the stunning result is highly appreciated worldwide. The richness of the Moroccan Colours and Crafts keep attracting designers and artists from different industries. Fashion, architecture, home decor, music.... It is complex and timeless. Brilliant!
Important fact, the traditional crafts use mainly local resources, like leather, wool, stone, clay. Great sustainability!
In the villages and in the Medinas, the know-how and the skills are often passed down through the generations, father to son, master to apprentice. Fortunately, government initiatives keep helping their promotion and their survival.
The Moroccan crafts are easily recognisable. They use common designs including geometric shapes, Arabic calligraphy and things from nature.
The traditional symbols are used in multiple places, from architecture to embroidery, in home interiors, in jewellery and in clothing.
When walking in Fès and Marrakech Medinas, look carefully around you, you will find stunning Moroccan mosaics dating back to the 700s!
Old fountains and pillars, ancient mosques, historical Riads and authentic Hammams are ornamented with geometric designs and also ceramic tiled floors. Moroccan Blue colour is the dominant colour used on many designs on tiles, Berber burnouses, and around the windows of buildings. Moroccan Red colour is commonly used on textiles and decorations, also a symbol of traditional dress.
Beautiful Moroccan metal lamps and lanterns are very popular in modern decoration. They are sold worldwide for mainly for interiors, small and large, sometimes with stained colours, they give a beautiful glow and exotic feeling inside homes, shops, hotels, spas... My favourites!
What to bring home? Pottery, rugs and carpets, leatherwork, marquetry, jewellery… The choice is unlimited.
One trip is not enough. You need to go more than once to Morocco to bring all the beautiful pieces you will find there. The crafts are awesome! It is so hard to resist...
5 Mint Tea Moments
I am a huge fan of Moroccan mint tea!
The powerful scent of fresh mint always brings back nostalgic times in my life, lots of memories....
When traveling to Morocco, it is a friendly habit by the locals to welcome you with a glass of mint tea and I love that!
The authentic Moroccan mint tea serving is unique. It is prepared in a very special silver metal teapot, often ornamented with Arabic decorations.
The tea is served very hot. Now, pay attention to the way it will be served into the glass... Pouring the golden nectar is a beautiful art in Morocco.
At homes, it is offered with oriental sweet pastries like the ones you find in all Middle East countries.
The pastries are very sweet but they are delicious! My favorite is the “gazelle horns”, with crushed nuts and orange blossom water. Yummy!
A traditional Moroccan breakfast is with mint tea and Moroccan style crepes, the Msemen or rghaif in Arabic. Add a bit of local honey on the crepes... it's delicious!
On our motorcycling tour in Morocco we like to stop for a mint tea in small villages. And on a riding day in the Atlas Mountains, surrounded with the stunning landscapes, a stop at a small café is a very enjoyable experience.
6 The Moroccan Food Culture
As a French person, I love good food 🙂
I am not a chef and I am not an expert cook, but I love to cook for friends and family. And for me, it is essential to experience the food and the local cuisine of the country I am traveling to.
Enjoying Moroccan Food Culture brings me special memories. I love the aromas with cumin and cinnamon, the taste of the stews, the look of the food in the pottery, all the mezze platters (similar to Arabic and Mediterranean mezze)… Just the look at them is a feast to my eyes. Delicious!
What a fabulous journey at every meal!
Here is short history of the origins...
The Moroccan Cuisine seeds began with the Berbers who lived in the region over 2,000 years ago. Local ingredients like dates, figs, olives, were added to prepare lamb and poultry stews.
Centuries later, other ethnic groups and nations gave their touch to the delicious cuisine, bringing new ways to cook as well new ingredients and spices, like cinnamon, saffron, ginger, cumin…
All these external influences contributed to the sophistication and quality of the dishes now present in Moroccan cuisine.
Personally, I prefer the Chicken Tagine with almonds and prunes. But it’s hard to resist a savoury Lamb Tagine with dried apricots and candied walnuts.
My ultimate favourite Moroccan dish is… the Couscous Royal. Nostalgic moments are connected to this delicious meal. More than just a meal for me...
Moroccan Cuisine is not particularly spicy and hot, but it can be if you add some harissa ;) There are always lots of spices, sweet and sour sometimes. It can be fruity and nutty with meat (delicious), alway tasty and aromatic. The food is rich and delicate, never fade or boring. lots of flavour and colours... Lovely!
The desserts are also very important in Moroccan cuisine. Remember to taste the succulent pastries with a glass of mint tea!
A lovely experience to enjoy a sweet would be sitting in a café inside a Medina, or in the beautiful decor of a Riad in Fès or Marrakech. Try it!
7 The Jardin Majorelle and YSL
On all my motorcycle tours to Morocco, I love a day stop in Marrakech. The Jardin Majorelle is one of my favourite site to visit in the mysterious city.
In the quarter Guéliz, outside of the Medina walls and the city noise, an Eden-like Garden is a wonderful place I recommend you to visit.
Like a hidden gem, this luscious garden with fabulous colours have a fascinating story I can’t resist to tell you...
In 1923, a Morocco-loving French painter, Jacques Majorelle purchased a few acres outside from the hectic Marrakech Medina.
Few years later, after acquiring more land, he built his lovely cubist-style home, the future “Villa Oasis”.
The painter and artist Majorelle was also a passionate amateur botanist. One of his passions was to create the most enchanting garden in his villa.
In 1937, he created the electric blue colour of the house, which he patented as “Majorelle bleu”.
The beautiful blue colour was an inspiration from the 15th century painting technique. Crushed semi precious lapis lazuli stones give the remarkable and rare blue pigment. And still today, the Majorelle Blue is one of the most difficult and expensive colour to replicate!
First, he painted the facade of his studio with the magnificent blue. Afterwards, he added the colour on large pots and other parts in the villa, as well with other primary colours like lemon yellow and pumpkin orange.
Until his accident in early 1960s, the painter continued to give all his love to the garden. For the artist, the Jardin Majorelle was his “most beautiful work”.
Sadly, after his death in 1962, the garden fell badly into abandonment lacking necessary financial support and regular care.
Fortunately, in 1980, the French fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent with his life and business partner Pierre Bergé, fell in love with Majorelle. They bought and saved the villa from demolition for a new hotel and renamed it, the “Villa Oasis”.
Pierre Bergé described beautifully how Saint Laurent and himself felt when they bought the villa: “we were seduced by this oasis where colours used by Matisse were mixed with those of nature…” Perfect!
Together, they renovated with style the Villa, keeping intact the vision of Jacques Majorelle. They transformed and restored the gardens with over 300 plant species, and for the following two decades the Villa Oasis became the true heaven for Yves Saint Laurent.
For the French designer, the Majorelle Garden was a constant source of inspiration for his work. In an interview, Pierre Bergé explained that it was in Morocco that Yves Saint Laurent learned about Colour. Before Morocco, the iconic couturier liked only black… Surprising no?
Majorelle, the perfect retreat for Saint Laurent, was as well the ideal refuge for the fashion icon to create his wonderful collections.
In 2008, after the death of the designer, his partner Pierre Bergé ordered a memorial stone in his name and placed it in the garden.
In 2017, the Museum Yves Saint Laurent opened, next to the Jardin Majorelle and the Villa Oasis.
If you love Fashion and Design, don’t miss the visit at the Museum. It is one of the rare place in the world where you can admire a large selection of the beautiful designs created by the talented designer Yves Saint Laurent.
And remember... Prepare beforehand your visit to the Jardin Majorelle!
The Gardens and the Museums are top popular attractions in Marrakech. Buy online your ticket and arrive early to avoid the queue and the crowds. The experience will be fantastic!
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I hope I have inspired you to travel to Morocco...
With easy access from Europe by sea or by air, the country offers so much to see to its visitors.
No surprise, Morocco has been chosen for years as the most popular tourism destination in North Africa!
A special note to all Bikers and the riding community...
Alone or with friends, don’t underestimate a riding adventure in Morocco!
A motorcycling trip to Morocco is an excellent experience I recommend you all! The landscapes are awesome, the roads are great, the people are friendly, the food is delicious, it is a full package for a wonderful motorbike tour!
You need to add an adventure tour to Morocco on your bucket list!
With our team at PeterPanPlanet, we offer you twice a year (Spring and Autumn), an 11 days guided tour to top destinations in beautiful Morocco.
Among the unforgettable experiences you will have, the Atlas Mountains ride and the Sahara Desert stay are outstanding moments you will love to experience!
You want to learn more about our motorcycle tour in Morocco, and as well our other tours? Contact us now , we will be more than happy to reply to your questions :)
Martine - PeterPanPlanet
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