Living in Marocco

From its spectacular mountain ranges to its boundless stretches of amber desert and beautiful coastline, Morocco offers an unparalleled panorama for the greedy eye. The intense peacefulness of the country's natural environment contrasts sharply with the bustle of its cities, which overflow with street-life: the "red-city" of Marrakech, enchanted Fez, the Atlantic ports of Rabat and Casablanca...

These different sights, seemingly worlds apart from each other, are all masterfully captured by the camera and brought together in this richly illustrated volume.

Living in Morocco also takes the reader beyond the imposing walls of medinas and citadels, through labyrinthine streets where traditional "souk" markets are held, and into the homes and hidden gardens of some of the country's most illustrious inhabitants. In these private oases, one can take in the sweet scent of orange trees while sipping a glass of the freshest mint tea and indulging in gourmet delicacies.

Morocco is a vast country, offering a multitude of breathtaking landscapes, from the lush Rif region in the north and the Atlantic coast, dotted with blue and white villages, to the vast expanses of the south, with its immense Atlas mountains and burning desert sands. Nestled against this impressive backdrop are the imperial cities-Fez, Meknes, Rabat, and Marrakech-whose splendor bears witness to the magnificence of the sultans of yesteryear.

The souk-the market at the heart of every medina-is a world unto itself, where enchanting colors, sounds, scents, and materials rouse the senses. Narrow, labyrinthine streets are lined with stalls and shops offering the finest in Moroccan craftsmanship: the carpets, pottery, ceramic tiles, lanterns, and ornate woodwork that are all part of the country's rich heritage.

The most impressive Moroccan interiors are to be found in the protected world of riads and dars. Their high outer walls barely hint at the inner splendors hidden within: this is a realm reserved to a select few. Sumptuous rooms lead onto terraces, built around an inner garden or courtyard filled with orange trees and fountains. Herein lies the Orient's timeless image as a Garden of Eden.

One of Morocco's charms lies in its unique hospitality, which views every visitor as a special guest. Whether you choose to rent a riad to experience Morocco as a resident, opt for the elegance of a celebrated hotel, or prefer a more discreet stop in an oasis at the edge of the desert, you will discover the magic and romance that are an integral part of the uniquely generous Moroccan way of life.