Marrakech, the City of a Thousand and One Shades

Having conquered the summit, we began our descent
After conquering the steep slopes of Toubkal, we began our descent, our muscles aching but our hearts filled with joy. If you’ve ever had time to read the article about the climb, you can find ithere.
After climbing Toubkal, we settled into the peaceful village of Imlil. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, I discovered a haven of peace. The flat-roofed houses blended perfectly into the mountainous landscape. Before heading back to Marrakech, we enjoyed one last breathtaking view from the Tachedirt lookout point.

Marrakech
We arrived at the villa—a beautiful villa in a private complex outside the city, in a quiet setting with a pool. But our legs were throbbing with pain, so we just wanted a rejuvenating massage in the center of Marrakech.
We looked for a massage parlor to get our blood flowing again. Our legs were so sore that every change of position—whether sitting or standing—required a superhuman effort. Every step was followed by an “ow” or “ouch.” It felt as if our muscles were frozen in marble.
The medina welcomed us with stifling heat and a cacophony of sounds. The transition from the solitude of the mountains to the bustling energy of the medina was simply striking. To unwind after all these intense experiences, a massage parlor was simply the perfect choice.

Curled up in a vaulted room, I enjoyed a unique sensory experience. The humid heat, the scents of eucalyptus and orange blossom, and the masseuse’s expert hands transported me into a state of deep relaxation. Lying on a massage table, I felt my tension melt away under the gentle, rhythmic pressure. It was the perfect moment to leave the exertion of the mountain behind and finally reconnect with my aching body.

After the massage, we continued our exploration of Marrakech, feeling refreshed and soothed. The vibrant colors of the souks, the calls of the muezzins in Marrakech’s most famous square: theJemaa el-Fna Square. It’s the beating heart of Marrakech, a true living spectacle where snake charmers, storytellers, musicians, and vendors selling freshly squeezed fruit juice and grilled meats all mingle. The atmosphere is festive and warm, and I let myself be swept along by the crowd despite my fatigue.
Day 2: Marrakech, the Red City

The next day, we take the time to explore Marrakech. The Red City envelops me with its thousand and one colors. The souks are teeming with people, the scent of spices fills the air, and artisans display their creations. I lose myself in the narrow alleys, marveling at the Arab-Andalusian architecture.
Exploring two iconic sites in Marrakech.
TheBahia Palaceis a true masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Its inner courtyards, lush gardens, and richly decorated rooms bear witness to the opulence of the sultans. I’m amazed by the architectural details, the colorful mosaics, and the carved woodwork. I imagine the life that once unfolded in this palace, with its intrigues and sumptuous parties. The only downside was that the palace was empty, stripped of its furniture.




You’ll find more photos at the end of the article.
After this visit, we headed to theMenara Gardens. This vast green space is a haven of peace right in the heart of the city. We settled down by the water’s edge to admire the reflection of the pavilion in the pond and enjoy the tranquility of the place. We stocked up on spices and other typical products from this magnificent country.


A tip: In the souks, bargaining is an integral part of the experience. Don’t hesitate to haggle!
Day 3: A Getaway to the Ourika Valley

After the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, we set off to explore the Ourika Valley. This green oasis, nestled in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, offers a striking contrast to the city.
Our day begins with a drive through magnificent scenery. The mountains rise majestically on the horizon, Berber villages cling to the slopes, and lush palm groves line the road. The air is crisp, and the silence is broken only by birdsong.

We finally arrive in Setti Fatma, a small Berber village famous for its seven waterfalls. A well-marked trail leads us through lush vegetation to the first waterfall. The cool, crystal-clear water flows into natural pools, inviting us to take a dip. It’s important to note that Morocco has been experiencing a severe drought for several years; the guide we met there tells us that when the water level is higher, the waterfalls are much more powerful. He also points out, here and there, where the water has reached its highest levels.

After a long walk, we treat ourselves to a moment of relaxation at a small local restaurant along the riverbank, where people sing along with the musicians as they move from table to table. We enjoy a tagine while admiring the view.
My thighs were burning the whole way—I still hadn’t recovered from the climb, with extreme soreness from my calves all the way up my back.
Last Day: Marrakech by Night
On our last day in Marrakech, we decided to enjoy the city one last time before leaving. We had planned to have a cocktail on a rooftop with a breathtaking view of Jemaa el-Fna Square.

Unfortunately, we found out that all the rooftop bars were booked weeks in advance. We were disappointed, but we decided not to let it get us down.

In the end, we chose the Argan to enjoy a beautiful view of the square, which was bustling as always, while we had dessert and fruit juice. We decided to host our own rooftop party on the villa’s terrace.
Back at our riad, we went up to the roof and set up a few chairs and a table. We sipped a few mojitos while chatting about our trip, our favorite memories, and what we’d do once we got back home. We chatted until we were too tired to keep our eyes open.
That evening on the roof was an unforgettable moment we shared together. It was the perfect way to end our trip to Marrakech.
Back to reality
Time flies by too quickly. It’s already time to leave this magnificent country. I’m heading back with my head full of memories: the breathtaking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, the warm welcome from our various guides and hosts, the vibrant energy of Marrakech… This trip was a true adventure, an experience that will stay with me forever.
P.S.: A month after returning, I still haven’t fully recovered from that climb. My thighs really took a beating!
Imlil








Jemaa el-Fna Square






Bahia Palace





























The Ourika Valley








