THE PALMERAY

Today, the Palmeraie is perceived as a luxury area, boasting sumptuous hotels, luxury residences and several golf courses. It was once the jewel of Marrakech, a veritable oasis of greenery in stark contrast to the ochre and red hues of the imperial city. While not much remains of the lush vegetation that once stretched out at the foot of the city, the visit still retains a certain charm and offers beautiful views, especially at sunset. 150,000 palm trees still populate the 13,000-hectare palm grove, albeit sparsely, between crops of market garden produce, wheat, barley or corn and adobe-walled enclosures. In the past, the palm grove was supplied with water by a system of khettaras, an ingenious Persian technique. These open-air wells, interconnected by kilometers of pipes, brought water from the water table down to the ground, on a gentle slope patiently dug by thousands of well-diggers to the nearby mountains. The system was inaugurated by the Almoravid sultans, founders of Marrakech and the palm grove. Although the system functioned as well as it could in the ^11th century, it is no longer reliable today, and most of the 350 khettaras that have survived are now more than 80% dry. In the face of water stress, irrigation has become a major problem, and it's visible. An association, l'Observatoire de la Palmeraie, created in 2006, continues to work to safeguard the Palmeraie, ensure its continuity and influence, reconstitute plant populations and safeguard biodiversity.
The most pleasant way to visit the Palmeraie (and the most romantic) is by horse-drawn carriage, in the late afternoon. Two hours will be enough to cover the distance between Jemaâ el Fna and the Palmeraie Golf Palace hotel, for example, and enjoy the ever-mystical atmosphere of the palm trees. If you have less time, cab drivers will suggest a shorter route, the fare for which is displayed on the windscreen. The route is signposted to preserve the site. Spring is an ideal time to observe migratory birds, such as the storks that come down from their perches to feed or spend the night near the water reserves of certain golf courses. You can also opt for a camel ride on site, for a breath of fresh air and to satisfy your adventurous spirit between nature and the surrounding desert!