Fes & Meknes
Built with winding narrow alleyways, venturing into the Fes Medina is a walk back in time – a complicated labyrinth built to thwart invasions. Marrakech tourism is in a different league to Fes and the medina was a saner place, much less frenetic but it’s just as easy to get completely lost!
Thankfully, our local guide was able to show us some of the highlights and many treasures of this fascinating city. Old Fes dates back to the 8th century and New Fes, itself by no means new dates back to the 14th century! The foundouk we visited was a wonderful glimpse back in time to when travellers and their animals needed a place to stay and, as the previous capital of Morocco, Fes is home to one or the largest and oldest universities in the world. Visiting a Tardis-like leather shop afforded us a great view of the Chouara Tannery from its terrace and the sprig of mint helps mask the pong!
Less than an hour from Fes is another of the Imperial Cities, Meknes. As with Fes, Meknes medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are 27 gates around Meknes Medina, Bab Mansour being the most impressive. Even more impressive is the Greniers de Moulay Ismail once housing up to 12000 horses and huge quantities of grain, a colossal building still, even though some of it was lost due to an 18th century earthquake.
We were fortunate to visit the excellent Meknes vineyard, Les Celliers de Meknes and enjoyed, of course, sampling several fine wines (rude not to!) and touring the cellars before heading to the ‘alpine’ village of Ifrane. Ifrane was built in the 1930’s by the French and, whilst at odds with Moroccan architecture, offers an idyllic escape from the summer heat and a vast array of activities year-round. Our visit finished with a tour of the gorgeous hotel Michlifen Ifrane followed by a late lunch.
Fes and Meknes both offer plenty of sightseeing and culture. Without exception, all our hosts were hugely hospitable and very friendly – and it goes without saying that every morsel of food was prepared with love providing numerous sumptuous feasts.
Please do get in touch if you’d like help in arranging your trip to magical Morocco, next trip is to Tangiers so watch this space!