vendredi 15 août 2014

tangier : bride of the north

Today, the powerful charm of Tangier operates ... The formerly sulphurous streets of Petit Socco terraces more than ever avant-garde of the many cafes.

Historically, the medina of Tangier has fascinated and inspired artists. Eugène Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, Jean Genet ... the list goes on. All succumbed to the charm of the place du Petit Socco and cafes, including the famous Tingis. Despite its bad reputation because of the casinos and dance halls that abounded at the time. North of the medina, the old Palais du Mendoub, built in 1929, is now a house for welcoming foreign guests. In the far south, the museum is installed in the former American Legation. This building houses paintings and an entire room is devoted to the American writer Paul Bowles. It is through the Grand Socco you'll get out of the medina, a very lively place in the evening, which begins the transition to the new city.

North of the Grand Socco, the park Mendoubia offers a pleasant stroll. Fig and banyan giant dragon that would highlight the visit 800 years. Take the Rue de la Liberté, a shopping street you will come to the place of France. This is the heart of the modern city with the famous Grand Café de Paris and the Hotel El Minzah frequented by big names in art and literature of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This place is always in fashion. By moving on instead of Faro with his guns, you will discover the breathtaking views of the Medina, the harbor and the bay of Tangier. At the top of the cliff, the mythical Hafa cafe overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar.

Casablanca Morocco

Business, shopping, parties and dolce vita Moroccan ... Everything happens in Casablanca! And dynamism is infectious.
The architectural tradition of the economic capital continues with the opening, August 30, 1993, the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world with its 200 meters high. The life of the modern Casablanca is the exciting image of the neighborhood Mâarif. This poor old area to the west of the park of the Arab League has gradually transformed into one of the most prominent areas of the city. Moroccan gilded youth frequent these streets to luxury shops and trendy establishments, dominated by the twin towers of the Twin Center. Anfa, chic district of Casablanca, is also worth visiting. More downtown, the Boulevard Mohammed V retains its arcades under which shops and restaurants are aligned nearly 2 km.

By late afternoon, take a walk on the Corniche of Ain-Diab, between the El Hank lighthouse and Sidi Bou Abderrahmane marabout, village only accessible at low tide. This coast is the seaside annex of Casablanca. Swimming pools and public and private beaches are appointed. Come here to admire the sunset and cool terrace remains a classic. All weekend Casablancans like to meet. Later in the evening, discos continue the vibrant city that never sleeps.

The city of Agadir: The sun and beach

The first seaside resort in Morocco well deserves his title. A sandy beach 10 km, and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

With his miraculous at least 300 days of sunshine a year, and its long beach 10 km climate, Agadir has the ingredients for success seaside holiday. Agadir is a member of the exclusive club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World. It houses a marina that can accommodate hundreds of yachts.
The coastal road allows you to hang longer on the waterfront, a place to walk at any time of day. It provides a complete overview of the entire bay. Do not miss a visit to the port, is constantly buzzing.

Destroyed by the earthquake of 1960, the kasbah has not kept its crenellated ramparts. However, this elevated site has a complete view of the bay, the harbor and the new city. Enchanting at sunset when the lights become golden brown.

Marrakech the red city

More than a city, Marrakech is a jewel polished by history and the taste of home, knowing welcome its guests with open arms for centuries.
  • Majorelle Gardens gather a collection of reported around the world that thrive alongside elegant pools and Art Deco villa plants. The ashes of Yves Saint Laurent are dispersed in these places. From this enchanting place, take one of the many horse-drawn carriages in the city to get to the palm or a ride is a must. Similarly, you can reach Menara, a symbol of Marrakech places. This elegant building, recognizable by its green tiles, is bathed in a huge pond. This is where the family Marrakchis come get a little cool during the hottest days of the year.
Jemaa-el-Fna place:  Real permanent theater, the Jemaa el Fna has something to fascinate, day and night. Liveliest district of Marrakech, close to the souks, it is the tourist heart. All walks begin and end here medina. From 17 pm, entertainment begins and Jemaa el Fna is packed with people. Snake charmers, fortune tellers, music groups and in the evening, dozens of mobile restaurants provide the show under the stunned eyes of onlookers. The sidewalk cafes located around around offer stunning views of the Jemaa el Fna, especially at sunset.

El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace (Palais El Badi)

El Badi palace was built in the late sixteenth century for receptions Saadi Ahmed el-Mansour. Today, there remains much about the former glory. The minbar of the mosque-cathedral, designed by master cabinetmakers of Cordoba, worth a look. Masterpiece of Arab-Andalusian art, he served as pulpit in the Koutoubia Mosque. Otherwise, from the terraces of the palace El-Badi, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city ... and the stork nests in season.

The tourism industry in Morocco

The tourism industry in Morocco is an important economic sector; Year after year, it accounts for 8% to 10% of GDP. In terms of tourism, Morocco has remarkable advantages: its climate, its specific culture, imperial cities and its geographical position. Despite these competitive advantages, the tourism sector is undergoing profound changes in recent years. Morocco's tourism industry is affected by strong fluctuations; These fluctuations are caused by internal and external causes of low profitability and financing problems in the hospitality sector, the constraints imposed by international competition, global economic and political turmoil. Also noteworthy is the strong dependence of Moroccan tourism vis-à-vis five major European countries. Finally, good news, there seems to be some mitigation associated with the Moroccan destination for French tourists, English and Spanish political risk; tourists from Germany and Italy remain susceptible to this phenomenon.