Marrakech, the red city and gateway to the Atlas

Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of souks, riads and workshops gathered around Jemaa el-Fna, the square of storytellers, musicians and food stalls that comes alive at dusk. Above it rises the Koutoubia minaret, a landmark visible from far away.

Gardens and palaces offer calm between two walks in the souks: the Majorelle garden, the Bahia palace, the Saadian tombs. And within an hour or two you reach the Atlas valleys, the Agafay desert or the road to the Sahara.