FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Global City Guidebook: Fez

by mary.melnick

Jul 31, 2024

PHOTO: © SORIN COLAC | DREAMSTIME.COM

Daily

Considered the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, this “open-air museum” of a city, the second- largest in Morocco and founded in A.D. 789, engulfs visitors in multicultural architecture, cuisine and the arts. Preserving authentic Morocco, Fez serves as a center for traditional craftsmen and artisans in ceramics, woodworking, leather, textiles and more.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
Fès-Saïs International Airport connects nonstop to 39 destinations in eight countries, primarily in Western Europe. Transit into the city via taxi (19 minutes, about $20–25), bus (40 minutes, $2) or rental car. The medina is best explored on foot; taxis (an average ride costs $2–4) and a reliable, extensive and inexpensive bus system (20 to 40 cents per ride) prove good options. Car rentals are convenient for daytrips, but be aware local drivers can be aggressive and accidents are common.

LODGING
La Maison Bleue & Spa
In the heart of the medina, this traditional Moroccan residence-turned-boutique hotel features carved plaster ceilings, zellij mosaic tiling, rich fabrics and antique furnishings. The property boasts a traditional Moroccan restaurant, spa and hammam, fitness center and pool, and offers culinary classes.
2 Place de L’Istiqlal, Fez, Morocco, tel 212 535 74 18 43 maisonbleue.com

Palais Médina Riad Resort
Combining tradition and modernity in a property overlooking gardens and the old Médina, Palais Médina features on-site restaurants, a lounge, event space, a large outdoor pool and poolside bar. Enjoy the fitness center and spa as well as free parking and WiFi.
Boulevard Allal El Fassi, Fez, Morocco, tel 212 529 08 01 04 acollectionhotels.com

Riad Laaroussa
Rooms and suites in this traditional 17th-century palace surround a peaceful open courtyard. Offerings include a pool, hammam and spa, while the rooftop bistro serves an à la carte menu of Moroc- can dishes and local wines. Concierge services arrange guides, reservations and daytrips.
3 Derb Bechara, Fez Médina, Morocco, tel 212 674 18 76 39 riad-laaroussa.com

DINING
Café Clock
This diverse and culturally inclusive hangout for locals and visitors offers Moroccan (camel burgers!) and international food all day. Indoor and outdoor seating; a welcoming atmosphere; and classes on calligraphy, cooking and Moroccan culture — plus live music, storytelling and cinema nights — deliver something for everyone.
7 Derb el Magana, Talaa Kbira, Fez, Morocco, tel 212 535 63 78 55 cafeclock.com

Dar Roumana
Chef Younes Idrissi describes his cuisine as Franco-Moroccan fusion using seasonal, locally sourced products. Complimentary porter service is offered from the nearest medina gate for guests not staying in the hotel.
30 Derb El Amer, Zkak Roumane, Fez Médina, Morocco, tel 212 535 74 16 37 darroumana.com

Restaurant L’Amandier
This fine-dining rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina serves quintessential Moroccan food matched with Moroccan wines. Linger in the adjacent Golden Bar for cocktails, tapas and jazz.
Palais Faraj, Derb Bensouda 16-18, Bab Ziat, Fez, Morocco, tel 212 535 74 10 26 palaisfaraj.com

ATTRACTIONS
Chouara Tannery
In a city renowned for its leather goods, Chouara stands out as the largest and one of the oldest (dating to the 11th century) tanneries in Fez. Leather shops overlook the colorful (but odiferous) dyeing pits. Come prepared to haggle for every- thing from traditional Moroccan backless slippers (babouches) to handbags and jackets.
21 Rue Chouara, Fez el-Bali, Morocco, tel 212 695 13 06 56

Médina
UNESCO designated the old city of Fez, a maze of 9,000 alleys, as having Outstanding Universal Value. This largest urban pedestrian zone in the world houses souks, traditional Moroccan homes, mosques, monuments, fountains and palaces. Avoid getting lost or missing unique attractions by hiring a local guide, or book with GuruWalk for a free guided tour.
guruwalk.com

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
Housed in a restored 18th-century funduq (inn for traveling merchants), the museum celebrates another famous Moroccan craft. Displays of fine woodwork include musical instruments, doors, prayer beads, chests and the tools used to create them. Intricately carved archways, courtyard columns and cedar ceilings are themselves works of art.
327F+WJ5, Place an Nejjarine, Fez el-Bali, Morocco, tel 212 531 41 26 16

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025

Escape to the Carefree Vibe of Mexico’s Isla Holbox

On a tiny island off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, remote life takes on new meaning. Cars are nowhere to be found, internet connections are sporadic at best, and visitors have no choice but to unplug and indulge in natural wonders.

A Word with Nat Pieper, oneworld CEO

Name: Nat Pieper Title: CEO at oneworld City: Dallas, Texas First job: Stadium vendor

eFlyer Reviews
Feb 12, 2025

La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St. Martin Review

I recently visited La Samanna, a Belmond Hotel, located on Baie Longue (Long Bay) on the Caribbean island of St. Martin. Although most of the resort is on the French side of St. Martin, a very small piece sits on the Dutch side, Sint-Maarten, making it possible to walk from France to Holland, and back again, by taking two steps. Of course, since most of the resort’s guests speak English, everyone working at the resort speaks English as well.

eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025

JW Marriott Expands in Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort

JW Marriott just unveiled its second resort in the Maldives with JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. Located in Kaafu atoll’s largest lagoon (just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport), this new and luxurious retreat spans 80 private pool villas, include 47 overwater pool villas.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

eFlyer News
Feb 12, 2025

Air France Launches New Direct Flights Between Los Angeles and Nice, France

To celebrate Cannes Film Festival and Monaco F1 Grand Prix, Air France launches new direct flights between Hollywood and the French Riviera. A longstanding partner of the Cannes Film Festival, Air France once again restarts special flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Nice (NCE).

February 2025
Feb 10, 2025

Beaches, Parks and Family Attractions Make San Diego a Perennial Favorite

Of all the places in the world, San Diego still feels to me like the one that got away. With its warm ocean, outdoor lifestyle and chill attitude, there aren’t many reasons to leave once you’re there. Somehow, though, after college, I did leave, and so did my husband. Fast-forward a decade or so, after a blind date led to two boys, a house in the Los Angeles suburbs and a desire to share all the San Diego things with our teens during spring break.

Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City

They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.

Slideshow
Feb 10, 2025

8 Stained-Glass Windows to Put on Your Travel List

It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these stained-glass windows with us.