When you think of Morocco, perhaps images of vibrant souks, breathtaking desert landscapes, and aromatic spices fill your mind. But there is another hidden gem that embodies the essence of Moroccan culture and the spirit of its people—the “Criée Berbère,” or Berber auction. This age-old tradition is not only a marketplace but also a celebration of community, culture, and connection, offering travelers a rare and authentic glimpse into the heart of Berber life. Imagine a lively village square, nestled between the rugged peaks of the Atlas Mountains or in a quiet valley. The air is filled with the hum of voices, laughter, and the occasional bleat of sheep or bray of donkeys. Local Berber men and women gather, dressed in colorful traditional clothing, creating a scene as vibrant and diverse as the goods on offer. This is La Criée Berbère, where the community comes together to buy and sell in an atmosphere charged with excitement and anticipation. The auction begins with a respected village elder or auctioneer stepping into the center of the crowd. With a booming voice, he announces each item—livestock, fresh produce, handwoven carpets, intricate pottery, and sometimes even the occasional antique. Bidders respond, voices rising with each offer, while the auctioneer hypes up the crowd, keeping the rhythm of the bids lively and energetic. In this market, the exchange is as much about camaraderie as it is about commerce. One of the most captivating aspects of la Criée Berbère is its ability to bring people together, turning every transaction into a moment of social interaction. Here, bargaining is not a battle but a friendly dance. Shoppers chat with sellers, sharing stories and laughter, negotiating prices with respect and humor. You’ll often hear laughter over a shared joke or see a firm handshake sealing a sale, as much
When you think of Morocco, perhaps images of vibrant souks, breathtaking desert landscapes, and aromatic spices fill your mind. But there is another hidden gem that embodies the essence of Moroccan culture and the spirit of its people—the “Criée Berbère,” or Berber auction. This age-old tradition is not only a marketplace but also a celebration of community, culture, and connection, offering travelers a rare and authentic glimpse into the heart of Berber life.
As an American exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech, you're in for a sensory overload of colors, aromas, and sounds. Nestled at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a melting pot of cultures, blending Berber, Arab, and French influences. Here are the top 10 experiences to make your visit unforgettable: Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa: Marrakech's main square is a bustling hub of activity day and night. Lose yourself in the maze of souks, admire snake charmers and street performers, and savor traditional Moroccan delicacies from the food stalls. Wander through the Medina: Step back in time as you wander through the labyrinthine streets of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover hidden gems like the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the vibrant souks filled with handicrafts, spices, and textiles. Visit the Majorelle Garden: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find tranquility in the serene surroundings of the Majorelle Garden. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle, this botanical garden is a haven of exotic plants, vibrant colors, and the iconic cobalt-blue villa. Experience a Hammam: Indulge in a traditional Moroccan hammam experience for the ultimate relaxation. Let the steam cleanse your pores, indulge in a vigorous scrubbing with black soap, and emerge feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Take a Camel Ride in the Palmeraie: Experience the desert charm just outside the city by taking a camel ride through the Palmeraie. Enjoy the peaceful oasis of palm trees and escape the hustle of the city for a few hours. Savor Moroccan Cuisine: Embark on a culinary adventure and savor the flavors of Morocco. From savory tagines to sweet pastries like pastilla and msemen, the local cuisine is a delight for the taste buds. Don't miss trying a traditional mint tea served in ornate glasses. Shop for Souvenirs:
As an American exploring the vibrant city of Marrakech, you’re in for a sensory overload of colors, aromas, and sounds. Nestled at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a melting pot of cultures, blending Berber, Arab, and French influences. Here are the top 10 experiences to make your visit unforgettable:
Have you ever dreamt of traversing the vast expanse of the desert under the star-studded sky, surrounded by the whispers of sand dunes? Look no further than the mesmerizing Merzouga Desert in Morocco, where an unforgettable adventure awaits on the back of a camel. A Nighttime Oasis in the Sahara Merzouga, home to the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes, beckons adventurers with its mystical allure. As the sun sets beyond the horizon, casting hues of gold and crimson across the desert landscape, it's time to embark on a journey unlike any other. Picture yourself atop a gentle camel, swaying rhythmically with each step as you venture deeper into the heart of the Sahara. Sandboarding Thrills and Desert Delights For thrill-seekers and desert enthusiasts alike, Merzouga offers the opportunity to partake in exhilarating sandboarding sessions. Feel the adrenaline rush as you glide down the sandy slopes, carving your way through the dunes with the wind at your back. As night falls, immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Morocco. Gather around a crackling campfire to the hypnotic beats of traditional Berber drums, a vibrant celebration of local music and dance. Indulge your taste buds in the flavors of Morocco with a sumptuous feast of savory tajines, fragrant couscous, and sweet mint tea, lovingly prepared by local hosts. Under the Glittering Canopy of Stars As darkness descends upon the desert, prepare for a truly magical experience. Settle into your cozy Berber tent, adorned with intricate carpets and plush cushions, and gaze up at the canopy of twinkling stars overhead. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, immerse yourself in the serene stillness of the desert night, where time seems to stand still and worries melt away. A Journey of Discovery and Wonder Beyond its breathtaking natural beauty, a camel ride
Have you ever dreamt of traversing the vast expanse of the desert under the star-studded sky, surrounded by the whispers of sand dunes? Look no further than the mesmerizing Merzouga Desert in Morocco, where an unforgettable adventure awaits on the back of a camel.
With its moon-like waves of mountains akin to the dunes of the Sahara, the Agafay desert is a nugget on the outskirts of Marrakech. Very close and yet very exotic, these wide-open desertic spaces lend themselves to glamping in the style of the great expeditions of yesteryear, and to Zen or sporting activities. A 100% oxygen getaway. In Marrakech, there's no need to drive for hours to play the remake of Tea in the Sahara! Just 45 minutes away, the Agafay desert rolls its waves of lunar mountains over 400 km² at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Not a pinch of sand, but a reg sheared by a canyon worthy of southern oases, whose gentle golden undulations form a striking contrast with the barrier of snow-capped mountains in winter. Enjoy a glamping weekend of sports, wellness, and even cultural activities. Gentle hikes, horseback riding, mountain biking or camel trekking, buggy or sidecar rides, astronomy sessions and even electro or trail parties under the moon: to each his own desert! Meharee and picnic chic If he wears an orange chèche and an indigo suit, it's not folklore: like the whole Inara Camp team, Brahim hails from the Zagora region in the south and grew up in nomad tents in the Sahara. When he's not tending to the camels in the in-house stable, he accompanies the Meharees with his supple stride, accustomed to treading the erg. There's no sand to get in the way, just the gentle rhythm of the caravan, before we pull up on one of the desert ships to watch the ribbons of light-toned mamelons, a small green field and a pink canyon where a white-topped table rises for an unusual picnic. Vintage sidecar escapes You can crisscross the Agafay desert on a quad or buggy, Paris-Dakar style.
With its moon-like waves of mountains akin to the dunes of the Sahara, the Agafay desert is a nugget on the outskirts of Marrakech. Very close and yet very exotic, these wide-open desertic spaces lend themselves to glamping in the style of the great expeditions of yesteryear, and to Zen or sporting activities. A 100% oxygen getaway.
Merzouga is best known for its golden sand dunes along the majestic Erg Chebbi And it’s very unfortunate that most visitors don’t dwell on their exploration of this region, which is full of hidden treasures, Here is a list of Top 10 Activities to do in Merzouga: Camel treks and night under a nomadic tent in the desert Firstly,Immerse yourself in postcard decors as you cross the Erg Chebbi on the back of a camel. Spend the night in the company of nomads under the stars or in Berber bivouacs in the middle of an ocean of dunes. That's why it's number one on our list of Top 10 Activities to do in Merzouga. Take an Arenotherapy Cure (Sand Bath) You suffer from sore muscles or rheumatism? Let yourself be buried in the hot sand of the Merzouga desert renowned for its therapeutic properties. Claustrophobic refrain! Discover The Culture and Music of the Gnaoua The Khamlia village, located 7km from Merzouga and nicknamed "Black Town", reflects the indelible traces of trans-Saharan trade. Today the group "Pigeons des Sables" still play and sing the trance tunes of Saharan music, Gnaoua music. Walk through the Beautiful Oases of Merzouga The fertile oases of Merzouga appear like mirages in the desert. Sip a good mint tea in the company of oasian people who have managed to preserve their ancestral culture. Excursion to Tafilalet Palmeraie (Palm grove of Tafilalet) It is the largest palm grove in the world with its sublime plantation of date palms, but also its acacia forest where Oued Ziz and Oued Gheris meet. A moment of serenity not to be missed! Visit the Seasonal Lake of Dayet Srji In Spring only, some seasonal lakes reappear in these arid lands northwest of Merzouga. Especially,The Dayet Srji site which is a favorite
Merzouga is best known for its golden sand dunes along the majestic Erg Chebbi And it’s very unfortunate that most visitors don’t dwell on their exploration of this region, which is full of hidden treasures, Here is a list of Top 10 Activities to do in Merzouga:
