Arts and crafts Marrakech

There are no craftsmen at work here, just a sort of 8,000 m² mega-supermarket with escalator. The place is rather kitschy, as evidenced by the two equestrian statues that greet you at the entrance. Nevertheless, we dare you not to find the product you're looking for, as you'll find everything you could possibly want in the way of handicrafts. Shelves overflowing with tea glasses, poufs, babouches, photophores and tutti quanti. Everything is labeled and prices are fixed, which is handy if you don't have much time to buy gifts or if you hate bargaining.

It is the whole Majorelle universe that you will find in this shop masterfully staged by the stylist Bernard Sanz and whose colors remind you of the master YSL. This is a beautiful and very chic shopping address to choose an elegant gift or to treat yourself. You can choose between candles or silk Shantung clothes and high quality leather goods as Pierre Bergé wished when he thought of this shop. The embroidered leather cushions are exceptional.

Behind this success was Saida Kadiri, who decided to work with candles in an artisanal and diligent manner, a skill now passed on to the team working in the workshops. Often copied but never equalled, they are the forerunners of most of the candle designs you'll find all over the souk, but not at all of the same quality. Make no mistake, you can only buy the candles (made from non-GMO soy wax) at the store in the industrial zone or online.

Moroccan crafts are so rich and express in so many areas that it is sometimes difficult for ordinary people to find themselves there. Most of the time, due to insufficient knowledge and not having the necessary explanations, the traveller brings memories of a consternante platitude. In Twizra, open in September 2003, you will also find this type of products, but you will find items of a completely different size. The main thing is that the advice provided by the seller is frank and sincere. It goes without saying that a Fez pottery may be sold raw or painted, but in Twizra it went into the hands of a calligrapher artist to draw the grounds and a sculptor to give relief. This difference is equally valid for all articles from the craft industry. Obviously, these products will be a little more expensive, but they will last much longer and you will probably not find them in your neighbour. The ground floor is devoted to small objects, the first floor to the carpets and the second to antiques. At each level, specialists are at your service and listening to ensure that you acquire your knowledge. The quantity of carpets is really impressive, if you don't find a carpet at your convenience here, it's that it doesn't exist. On the second floor, there are parts that would have their place in a museum, real antiques. The reception is warm.

This glassworks is exciting, especially if you are lucky enough to meet the owner, who explains his work and his art with great pedagogy. At Léon l'Africain's, a reference to a diplomat and explorer of North Africa, glass is not blown but poured into large moulds and baked in strange ovens to give birth to very original shapes. Of course, the spiral shower cabin is not very practical to store in one's luggage, but the crockery is much more practical... A workshop that is worth the detour.

Original pottery, ceramics and luminaires combining Moroccan and Western inspiration.

Many objects tadelakt. Abdallah is very friendly; it goes honest prices (although they are a little higher than in Ben Omar).

You will come here to look for some souvenirs from Marrakech or to find a well-chosen gift, this boutique offers spices, jewelry, pottery and antique crockery.

On two floors, with the first of the antiques from all over Morocco, art objects and contemporary masterpieces. Carpets, kilims of all sizes on the second floor and for all budgets, but also many Jewish pottery from Fes or the Rif, many ceramics, as well as glass or silver jewelry, belts, beads and necklaces.

Nicknamed the Artisan's house, this boutique offers antique furniture and luxury furniture, wooden or wrought iron. You will also find a veritable gallery of Moroccan handicraft products, ranging from clothing to home decoration to office and garden.

In a small shop located opposite the small Marché market, bronze chandeliers, glass of glass, vases of the 1950 s, silver sugar pliers from the period of the protectorate and many other objects.

The art of coppersmithing has been part of the country's heritage since the 12th^century . A number of craftsmen have managed to keep up the momentum and create innovative pieces, like Yahya, a light sculptor who devotes a cult following to his work. His showroom is like a gallery, where you can browse through luminaires, mirrors and photophores, jagged and sculpted to perfection in brass, copper or bronze, a fusion of tradition and contemporary art. A house celebrated in the royal palace and around the world. A true masterpiece!

Before it became a place for spices and wicker baskets, this square was a market for grain and... slaves! A practice that was only officially abolished in 1920. Today, it is good to stroll in the shops of the apothecaries who will explain to you, with joy, that their magic potions are able to solve all your ills. It is here that you will find the largest choice of spices but beware, haggling is really necessary!

This small workshop sells mainly paintings made on wooden supports. Their own resides in the fact that these supports are the traditional slate used in elementary schools of mosques.

Sufiane Zarib learned the art of carpeting from her father, who in turn learned it from his father. Today, he concentrates on design and the choice of materials. Their transformation as well as the making of the carpets are entrusted to some 500 employees. It takes no less than that to satisfy the orders of his customers, who are fond of these woven pictures. Soufiane's favourite area is the Beni Ourain, a thick ecru carpet recognizable by its rhombuses. The creator is inspired by tradition but does not exclude a touch of modernity.

A solution for all those who abhor haggling: go directly to Ben Rahal's house, which is no longer on display in Marrakech since they have been in business for over 60 years. That's how well they know the subject. Any other reason? It's a shop for connoisseurs, frequented by decorators and interior designers. There, the most beautiful carpets from Moroccan tribes are gathered, some of which are magnificent, dating from the 70s and can even be used as wall decorations. We are far from the tourist attractions that sell reproductions...

In this small shop of Souikat Bab Doukkala, Sarsar and Abdellah show their art. One paints on canvas, the other on metal plate, diverting with sometimes a touch of second degree and humour from scenes of Moroccan daily life. More often, trades or archetypes are represented in a naive and colourful style. Other plates of the same type can be seen here and there in the medina, but these seem to be of good workmanship. The prices can be negotiated, but it is necessary to stop at the right moment.

A small shop run by Youssef and Tarik who have fallen in love with the traditional pottery of Tamegroute, a village located in the Draâ valley. Known for its library of precious books, it is also known for its characteristic green ceramics. "The clay used at Tamegroute naturally contains copper," says Youssef. The enamel is also charged with it. The shop offers several everyday objects, from small cups to vases. Pretty blankets and woven fabrics are also eye-catching. The reception is pleasant.