Travel Guide Fès
It is in the hollow of the Middle Atlas that Morocco was born. It is at least here that we find the first capital of the kingdom, Fez the enchanting, inaugurated in the ninth century, a real jewel whose medina (walled city) Fez el-Bali, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1980, houses alleys full of wonders of Hispano-Moorish architecture and archaeological sites. Undisputed spiritual center of Morocco, Fez is one of the four imperial cities of the country, its medina is the largest of the Maghreb, the most lively and the most fascinating too! In the heart of its narrow and tortuous streets where 350,000 Fassis crowd every day, past the main gate called Bab Boujloud, the Fez tourist guide will take you from medersas (Koranic schools) and mosques to souks - the spice one, the potters' one or the famous open-air tannery of Chouara -, from small local canteens to majestic riads with bright mosaics. If you have some time, you will have the opportunity to discover the surroundings of the city: the thermal springs of Moulay Yacoub in the north, but also the Roman site of Volubilis, or even the beautiful mountain resorts of the Middle Atlas, in the south. Of course, a few days are enough to visit Fez, but if you really want to get the most out of this destination, the time to spend there could easily be counted in years..
What to visit Fès?
Suggested addresses Fès
When to go to Fès?
When to go to Fez? The heat can be stifling in summer and harsh winter, so the high tourist seasons are spring and fall. Hiking in the Middle Atlas is possible from October to about April, while in winter ski resorts, such as Mischliffen, also attract tourists, many of whom are Moroccan. If you are wondering when to go to Fez without ruining yourself while enjoying a certain tranquility, it may be advantageous to travel in low season, when hotels can offer discounts of up to 50 %. However, it happens that during this period some services and animations are deleted, as during Ramadan. In short, there is no better time to go to Fez, each season has its own charm!
Weather at the moment
The weather in Fez is very pleasant in autumn and spring: in spring, the heat is not yet too stifling and the surrounding nature is at its most beautiful, while in autumn, the days are shorter but the sun is still warm. In the summer, Fez' temperatures are scorching, and there are few places that offer a little coolness. In winter, make sure your hotel is heated, which is not always the case.
Without being expensive, Fez, and Morocco in general, is not a paradise for the poor. The government has favored tourism for the wealthy in order to bring in foreign currency, hence the many luxury hotels in the tourist regions. Nevertheless, in Fez, especially in the medina, there is still a large number of hotels for small budgets, and you can eat in the small neighborhood canteens which are still very economical. The currency is the dirham (DH).
For French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian nationals wishing to visit Fez, a valid passport is required for any individual stay. An identity card may be sufficient for a stay organized by a travel agency, as an exception. However, knowing that the passport will be needed to make currency exchange or to fill out a hotel form at the reception, it is strongly advised to leave with it! No visa is required for any stay in Fez and Morocco of less than three months.
There is no longer any malaria in Morocco, but you should still protect yourself from mosquito bites. Vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, poliomyelitis and hepatitis A (unless you are immune) are recommended for a trip to Fez. The more cautious and adventurous should add hepatitis B and typhoid fever. In case of illness, contact the French consulate in Fez. They will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In case of a serious problem, the consulate will also inform the family and decide on repatriation. Water is not drinkable in Fez. Prefer mineral water bottles.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Fès? Our advice & tips
Being a very touristy imperial city, Fez is on the program of many Moroccan tours organized by French-speaking tour operators. His visit is generally included in the itineraries such as "Moroccan culture" or "Moroccan gastronomy", but it is also possible to plan a honeymoon in Fez, a family holiday in an all-inclusive package (all-inclusive) and other tailor-made stays.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThe average price of a direct flight from France to Fez is around 250 € in high season and 130 € in low season. Please note that the price variation depends on the airline used and, above all, on the reservation deadline. There is also a daily direct flight to Fez from Marseille airport. Express shuttles connect the city center with the airport located in Marignane.
To discover the medina of Fez, you will have no other alternative than to use your feet: no vehicle, except horses and mules for the transport of goods, is allowed. To visit the new city and the surroundings of Fez, you can use the small cabs (urban cabs), which are cheap and practical, but also the bus network. For longer trips, opt for large cabs (intercity) or rent a car.
