Accor Hotels have a competition that invites bloggers to write about one of their favourite cities. The idea is to show three reasons why you love it and the prize is three-night stay for two, in London, Paris and Amsterdam. They’re including transport by Eurostar and even spending money, doesn’t that sound wonderful?
One of my favourite cities is Marrakech, a passion that began way back in 1969 when Crosby, Stills and Nash released the track Marrakech Express. I was very young, but something in that song intrigued me, from then on Marrakech seemed like a very exotic destination, even though at the time I would have struggled to find it on a map.
A few years ago I finally made it and it didn’t disappoint one bit, in fact I loved it so much I returned for a second visit. It’s difficult to narrow it down to just three things I love about it, but the first I’ve chosen is Les Jardins Majorelle. Originally created by the artist Jacques Majorelle, who devoted forty years developing it into a lush paradise. The intense ultramarine cobalt colour that he used abundantly through the garden, later came to be known as Majorelle blue.
When Majorelle passed away, the garden became neglected and would have been destroyed and replaced by an hotel, had it not been for the vision of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge, who bought and began the restoration process.
There is now a memorial to Saint Laurent in the garden and Berge gifted it to the Foundation Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent.
Bahia Palace – meaning ‘the beautiful’ was built in the 19th century by Grand Vizier Si Moussa. It has two acres of gardens and around 160 rooms, some of which are open to the public. The main attraction for me is the ornate tile work on floors, walls and ceilings. These are multicoloured Zellij mosaic, in Islamic, Andalucian and Moorish style, with green ceramic roof tiles.
There is also some delicate stucco work that reminds me of the jail screens in Rajasthan – used in the womens quarters of major palaces as well as havelis. Naturally the Bahia once had a harem filled with concubines.
The palace can be found in the medina, next to the Jewish quarter and is open daily, unless there are royal visitors. It is one of the cheapest places to visit in Marrakech, about a pound, plus a small tip if you have a guide.
Last but not least on my list, is La Place Jemaa el Fna, a UNESCO world heritage site for ‘the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity’. I think it’s a love it or hate it kind of place, that many would describe as crazy and impossible. By day the vast square is a sun trap, only copious quantities of the best and cheapest orange juice ever will keep you going. Luckily the stalls are everywhere, as are the caleches, ready to take you around the city for a negotiable fee.
As the sun begins to go down, if you want to take it easy, head for one of the roof terrace cafes, and sit back and enjoy the spectacle.
Every night, La Place is transformed into a huge open sea of eating places and it has to be tried at least once during your stay. The food is freshly cooked and the air quickly fills with smoke, but its tasty and authentic. Anything thing you want, and an awful lot of things you didn’t know you wanted, can be bought around the square and the souk. If you show any interest in an item they will do their utmost to get you to part with your money, but I found it to be good natured haggling.
Before you leave the square, have a wander through the crowds. You will find snake charmers, tooth pullers, henna artists, story tellers, fortune tellers and monkey handlers – I’d avoid those if I were you!
I hope you enjoyed visiting Marrakech with me, the competition ends tomorrow but if you’re very quick . . .
Lucid Gypsy 
Looks a fascinating place….
Leave to you, Gilly. You always have the most fabulous posts. Thank you for the lovely share! 🙂 I hope you win the contest!
A marvelous tour. Thanks for taking me there with your vibrant photos. Still mulling over 100 words. One day soon, Gilly.
Glad you liked them Ruth thanks.Tomorrow is the day for Julia’s new 100 word challenge!
I love your photos, it sounds like a wonderful city.
Thank you Joan, yes you should go if you can!
I remember the song well… it is a beautiful place… great pics.
It was a very popular place in the late 60’s and early 70’s if I recall.. Never been to this brill’ place…
This DOES look inviting and the way you’ve described it has really piqued my interest. Expensive?
No, the budget airlines fly there and staying in a riad is reasonable unless you choose a really posh one!
I remember Marrakesh from a 70s novel about drugs and rock ‘n roll. Don’t recall anything else but I still remember the sounds from the book,the constant noise of the crowd and donkey’s smelling up the street.
I m.u.s.t. go as I love to have my arm twisted. This made me laugh out loud, “…and an awful lot of things you didn’t know you wanted,”
😀 😀 😀 So, did you enter? I have all fingers crossed if you did. ❤
Yes I did but of course I had no chance competing against the serious photographers and travel writers!
Great post, Gilly. You go so many interesting places — at least you make them seem very interesting to your readers. The way you like to travel, and the terrific job you do with your pictures, as well as your text, I think you should be submitting some articles to some travel magazines. Have you ever done that? If not, please do, and see what happens.
Ahhh thanks Sandra, my writing style doesn’t seem to fit with the glossy magazines!
What a great community Gilly , I love your stunning photography 🙂
Oh thanks Jake, I’m flattered!
Great post and photographs ! Wish I could go. I stayed at The Sofitel In NYC one night and it was the only time I felt like a movie star, seriously Royal Treatment !
If I had any money I’d be travelling all the time Kathryn!
Wouldn’t we all ?????
what a fascinating place it must be. it seems that i have yet to add another place on my list of must-sees 🙂
hope you win! you certainly have my vote 🙂
I hope you get to go Kris, you and your camera would love it!
I loved the song and I have even been to Morocco (twice) but not made it to Marrekech (yet). I would love to visit Les Jardins Majorelle. Thanks for taking me there 🙂
“Colored cottons hang in the air
Charming cobras in the square
Striped djellabas we can wear at home
Well, let me hear ya now”
A garden lover missing a garden opportunity 😦 oh well you’ll just have to go back one day !
Fabulous post, Gilly! You had me toe tapping from the very start. 🙂 I would love to visit Morocco. Those colours and riads… stuff of dreams! Very best of luck! 🙂
Fairly easy from Portugal?
This is not a place I would have thought of visiting but you have whetted my appetite with this fabulous travelogue.
Maybe you can add it to your next list, the budget airlines fly from Bristol!
One of my favourite cities as well. The shot of the Djemaa el Fna from the roof top cafe has to be one of your best ever Gilly!
Of course you would love it! Thanks, it is a favourite pic of mine – a lucky one!
I love Marrakesh although it’s not my favourite city.
It’s hard to pick one place isn’t it? where would you choose?
I did indeed enjoy visiting Marrakech with you. Your words and photos both worked to charm me, especially the pots in the opening shot, the tiled ceiling, that wall of Majorelle blue, and the almost b&w market scene. The latter is an amazing shot: so clear, the shadows, and the touches of colour in coat and umbrella.
Thanks Meg its one of my all time favourite photos – I just got lucky!
A fascinating post, Gilly 🙂
Thanks Celestine!
I’ve only known Marakesh from the TV show The Amazing Race. They did a challenge there on the market. I would love to visit it personally. And the Andalucia and Moorish style is definitely evident. Quite a treat to see in person as well.
It’s awesome!
A beautifully description of what seems to be an exotic place. You captured some very interesting photos. I hope your selected, Gilly.
It looks like you had a grand time. : )
I love it there and would go back again and again!