The ancient city of Fez beckons the traveler with a plethora of medieval delights, sights, sounds and sensory experiences that heartily encompass the soul of old Morocco. The walled city (dating to the ninth century) remains devoted to its history and culture. Home to hundreds of mosques, the city embraces stately Muslim traditions while showcasing for visitors such attractions as exquisite architectural wonders and a spicy cuisine all its own. A labyrinth of mysticism, sections of Fez take the visitor back in time hundreds of years, an inviting and compelling trip to the past. While in Fez, stay in a traditional riad house, take an authentic cooking class and tour a stunning medersa, all located in the famous Medina of Fez.
Riad Saada Fez
Located in the heart of the Fez Medina, this extraordinary guest house is a heritage site available for rental. Two families live here and assist with all aspects of the guest stay including cooking and sightseeing. They aim to give the visitor a more authentic experience of Morocco via their beautiful and historic riad house, which comes complete with all amenities. Enjoy a home-cooked meal with such traditional choices as couscous with lamb or beef and seasonal vegetables or pigeon tajine with peas.
Riad Saada Fes
Rabia et Pierre Mure
44 Bois du Luget
33290 LE PIAN MEDOC
011 (+33) 5 56 70 29 56
www.riadsaada.com/
Medersa el-Attarine
Don’t miss the beautifully decorated Medersa el-Attarine (also known as Attarine Madrasa), located by the spice and perfume market in the Medina of Fez. (A madrasa is a religious school.) The Medersa el-Attarine, with its spectacular rectangular courtyard, was commissioned by the Marinid Sultan Ya’qub Abu Said Uthman II, and completed in 1325. It features masterpieces in tile, centering around the word “Allah” in calligraphy and expanding to fill the confines of the courtyard.
Fez Cooking Class
Known as the capital of Moroccan cuisine, Fez is the ideal place to take a class in Moroccan cooking. You’ll learn traditional methods of preparing pastilla, couscous, harira and other dishes in this hands-on class that begins with a trip to the souks, or local marketplace, for fresh ingredients. It’s a complete Fez cooking and eating experience.