A city where noise meets silence: Marrakech

Marrakech, historically known as a flow area between different villages, is probably today’s most vivid city in Morocco. Its medina – the nerve center of every single Moroccan city – seems to be a window to the past, with unintentionally colourful lanes overshadowed by a perfect blend of people, food and smoke. It is actually here, where all the must-see places are to be found: Bahia Palace, Djemaa square, Mederssa Youssef… But, what to do when you just need to escape from the (exciting) chaos of this part of the city? Don’t worry; there are some emergency exits.

What about stopping to eat something surrounded by exotic palm trees with a soothing background of its birds singing? If that’s what you are looking for to chill out for a while, Le jardin is your place. This quiet and magical restaurant is located a hundred meters away from the Secret Garden (another place you need to see). Its peaceful atmosphere is just unbeatable. Like an oasis in the middle of the desert, you will totally forget that you are in the heart of the crazy noisy Medina. Tip: Don’t forget to try its amazing couscous and to go upstairs. More surprises are waiting.

If you don’t mind to go out from the medina (just 10 min by walk), you can delve into colourful paradise. Le jardin Majorelle is a mix of marble pools, raised pathways, banana trees, groves of bamboo, coconut palms and bougainvillea, where the colour scheme is dark blue (Majorelle blue). If you go in winter, just enjoy the sunset and delight in the beautiful changing colours varying intensity of the sunlight. A wonderful experience.

As a personal reflexion, don’t look at this trip as “another touristic destination”. Try to not plan it as a list of “things to do”. Only when you let yourself to understand the natives’ roots, habits and traditions, will you be able to see beyond the monuments and truly live the 100% Marrakech experience through your five senses.

Remember: be part of it. Travel with it.