Résultats de recherche

Named “La Route des Empires”, a fantastic application allows you to visit the major archaeological sites of the Moroccan Middle Ages. As shown in the map above, this latest generation tool released recently, still little known, allows you to deepen your knowledge on Agadir Oufella, that is to say the Kasbah being rehabilitated, and on Igiliz, rocky spur, starting point of a religious revolution which would lead to the founding of the Almohad Empire. If these two sites are famous today, four others, which are less famous, or not at all, are detailed on this application : Nul Lamta, near Guelmim, of which a rocky ridge would be the location of this ancient caravan town, but also Akka Tamdoult, Zagora and Sijilmasa. This application can be downloaded from the site https://laroutedesempires.ma In the Middle Ages, the six sites thus highlighted stretched over nearly 1'000 kilometers along one of the most important trade routes in Africa at that time. La Route des Empires started from Tafilalet, in the north, to the oued Noun, south of current Guelmim. From the Almoravids to the Saadians, who left their traces in Agadir and Taroudant, passing through the Almohads and the Merinids, the medieval Berber dynasties never ceased to control this route. As this map shows, the Almohads exercised their influence as far as Libya and the Almoravids as far as northern Senegal, which does not fail, today, to give grist to the mill. Kingdom regarding its claim to the formerly Spanish Sahara. One of the advantages of the “La Route des Empires” application lies in the 3D visualization of each of the six sites observed. On this image, it is the one dedicated to Igiliz. The inlaid numbers refer to constructions, defensive systems or even vegetation. The number 15, for example, gives very precise details about the largest cistern discovered at Igiliz, which remained in use, we are told, until the 16th-17th centuries. In Tafilalet, the city of Sijilmâsa linked North Africa to the kingdoms of the Sahel and as such was a major location for medieval trans-Saharan trade. The ruins that remain there in a very dilapidated state are documented by the application with stunning attention to detail. We read that in this sector four types of rammed earth mark two construction episodes, from the middle of the 15th century. The “La Route des Empires” application was developed (image) by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication in partnership with the Jacques-Berque Center in Rabat and the French Embassy, as well as in cooperation with the Moroccan Regions concerned. The tablet is the most suitable support for use it on the sites. Happy discoveries!

The powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake which occurred on the night of Friday September 8 to Saturday September 9, 2023 in the Moroccan High Atlas caused the death of some 3'000 people, mainly Berbers, including many children, but it also illustrated the courage of the Moroccan people who, helped by their authorities and international solidarity, showed themselves mature enough to overcome this ordeal (our photo AFP). Less than two weeks after the earthquake, he is already raising his head. A third of the disappeared died in the Province of Taroudant, where our riad is located. The most affected rural communities (marked by a red ellipse on our map) are located at altitude. Their name are Tizi n’Test (417 dead), Tafingoult (156), Tigouga (96), Ouneine (51) and Sidi Ouaaziz (46). The earthquake and its aftershocks were felt as far as Agadir, thus reigniting the fear of drama of 1960, which left up to 16'000 dead. Located at the western end of the Province of Taroudant, The Garden of Stars, built according to anti-seismic standards, is intact. The tremors were nevertheless clearly felt there. Very few small objects were broken, like this set of pipe accessories. It was only decoration in the Salon Atlas, where smoking is prohibited. The city of Taroudant was impacted by the disaster. A small number of victims were reported, but damage was reported to buildings. The most visible are the famous walls (our photo). These were already deteriorated in certain places and a restoration was being studied. Urgent interventions are therefore envisaged. Protective measures have been taken to avoid any personal accidents until then. As shown in the video, the family of our excellent cook Fatima, in a state of astonishment, was among the Roudanis forced to spend three nights outside, for fear that the cracks noted in the houses would lead to a new tragedy due to the aftershocks recorded. Frightened, the children were nevertheless able to sleep. But not the parents. As soon as the authorities gave permission to return to her house, Fatima demonstrated her courage and her desire to move forward by immediately making purchases intended for visitors to the Garden of Starts who had requested her at the prior. Thousands of villagers live to the north and south of Tizi n'Test, a road pass which usually connects the Souss plain and Marrakech and provides magnificent discoveries. Local residents were much less fortunate. The village of Imi N'Tala, near Amizmiz, by example was almost completely razed (photo Bulent Kilic/AFP). Solidarity caravans flocked very quickly. The French speakers of Taroudant (our photo) were particularly mobilized. Well done to them. King Mohammed VI, who was in Paris on the evening of the earthquake, returned quickly to Rabat, with the clear desire that the Moroccan forces themselves take charge of operations on the ground, having developed the latter years of intervention capabilities deemed effective. The sovereign held two interministerial meetings, with the participation of the head of government Aziz Akhannouch and, for one of they, of the crown prince Moulay El Hassan (our photo). It was revealed that almost two million people, including 675'000 children, live in the heavily affected areas and that 530 schools and 55 boarding schools have been damaged. The sovereign requested that destitute orphans be given the status of wards of the nation. Around 50'000 homes have completely or partially collapsed. The residents did not sit idly by, when they could (our photo Fethi Belaid/AFP). The king gave instructions that an amount of 140'000 dirhams (14'000 euros) be allocated for each completely collapsed home and 80'000 dirhams (8'000 euros) for partially damaged homes. To these amounts is added emergency aid of 30'000 dirhams (3'000 euros) paid to each affected household. Moroccan security forces were confronted with the emergency in the first villages located at the bottom of the valleys, which are often the most populated. At the same time, they had to clear the roads and tracks, resulting in bottlenecks and difficulty for specialists to deploy. In our photo Fethi Belaid/AFP, an truck carrying mattresses drives problematically on a congested mountain road in the village of Sidi Hsaine. The police even had to close certain access to humanitarian convoys. Only four countries received a favorable response to their spontaneous offer of aid: Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and Spain (our photo: arrival, on 10 September, of a contingent of the Spanish Military Emergency Unit at Marrakech airport). The knowledge of the language and the knowledge of the terrain for the Spaniards, who cooperate with Morocco in firefighting, were put forward to explain this choice. However, it also happens that these countries have clearly declared themselves in favor of Moroccan sovereignty over the former Spanish Sahara, which other European countries have not done, as well as Algeria, whose aid has not was retained, initially at least, hence misunderstandings. Aziz Akhannouch, who held a third interministerial meeting, intends to ensure temporary rehousing (our photo Paloma Laudet/Item/Out of format taken at Tal at N’Yaaqoub), before structures designed to resist cold and bad weather take their place. There is an emergency, given the proximity of winter. As for the homes themselves, they may not be rebuilt for a year or two. It will also be necessary to redo roads, water and electricity networks. It is therefore an enormous effort of all kinds that awaits Morocco and especially the High Atlas so that they can keep their smiles (our photo). The State has promised massive and unconditional budgetary aid, estimated, all inclusive, at 120 billion dirhams, or nearly 11 billion euros. This will weigh heavily on public finances, which were already in a difficult situation. It is in this context that the financial contributions of private and associative actors, NGOs and countries which have announced their support will be essential and appreciated. Until then, Morocco will continue to live. Received by traditional Moroccan hospitality, tourists are welcome, both in Marrakech and Agadir. An example of ongoing resilience, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and the World Bank are maintaining their annual meeting in the Ocher City.

The address is precious and is passed on between friends (our photo). Chez Maxim's, table set on the Tifnit Beach, it's not just a nod to the famous Parisian restaurant. Above all, it's a pretty bar facing the sea that serves very fresh lobster and crayfish at low prices. The reservation (see number at the end of the message) is essential, especially if you disembark in a group. The dishes are served on a small terrace overlooking the ocean (our photo). You can also prefer to settle on the sand. If you arrive unexpectedly, you will be entitled to the fish of the day, also well grilled. What are the prices charged? For a nice portion of lobster and crayfish as part of a group of half a dozen people, perhaps you will be able to negotiate 200 dirhams per guest, or 20 euros. Not everyone can afford lobsters and crayfish in Europe. In Morocco, yes! The house does not have an alcohol licence. However, you can take with you the wine that you have purchased in Agadir or taken from your small cellar, if possible kept cool. Be discreet and also order mineral water. Chez Maxim's (our photo, the boss, Bouba) also needs to balance his books and we have to be correct! You don't change registers by going to Moulay Youssef, at the sign of the equally prestigious Parisian name of... La Tour d'Argent (our photo) ! Another similar restaurant : Maxwill, very close to Chez Maxim's. Fish, they say, very well accommodated, such as white tuna, as well as tagines ! However, we have not tested either. On the other hand, we stopped at Tifnit restaurant cafe, installed within the fish landing point. The view is panoramic, and not only on the tajine (our photo). In general, the downside of these restaurants is hygiene, which could be better, even if fairly strict controls are in place. However, we are not aware of any food poisoning originating from one of these restaurants. You won't always be served to the second either. It takes time to prepare the wood fire to grill lobsters and crawfish or to peel the vegetables and make the tagine you ordered (our photo)! In most cases, the dish will end up being excellent. Obvious good will and immersed in the daily Moroccan reality! Obviously take a look at the panorama before you : the dwellings of the village of Tifnit which have not been demolished form the foreground, the beach and the ocean the second. It's superb. You have to park your vehicle in the car park set up at the end of the asphalt road. You will have every chance of being greeted by a friendly tout ! In summary: At Maxim's: 06 67 90 97 91 ​Other addresses: La Tour d'argent, at Moulay Youssef, 06 16 12 79 78 Café restaurant Tifnit, 06 78 63 11 27 Maisonette on the height, call Bouchta to find out if it's open, 06 52 91 55 78.

More good news for Agadir and the surrounding region! From November 1, a new air route will open between Agadir Al Massira airport and Vaclav Havel airport in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. The rapidly expanding Eurowings airline, a low-cost subsidiary of the German Lufthansa group, will be offering two direct flights a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. On certain dates, a third flight will be offered on Tuesdays, sometimes with a stopover in Düsseldorf. The direct flight will take 4 hours 25 minutes. The stopover in Düsseldorf brings it up to 8.05 hours. Eurowings will be using an Airbus A320. The advertised prices are attractive. Eurowings also operates a Vienna-Agadir route, with a stopover in Düsseldorf, which is also of interest to Slovaks, as the Austrian capital is only a few kilometres from Bratislava. Back in June we announced that Eurowings was opening a new direct route to Agadir from Stuttgart. It now transpires that from the end of 2023, the German low-cost airline will also be offering two direct flights from Düsseldorf to Agadir, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, at the same time as Condor does the same from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich, also with two weekly flights. These openings are a direct result of the partnerships signed by the Moroccan National Tourist Office to attract German tourists back to Morocco, and particularly to Agadir.

Edelweiss Air, a subsidiary of Swiss, part of the Lufthansa Group, is preparing to increase the frequency of its flights to Agadir and Marrakech. Based in Zurich, it will be responding to demand from German-speaking Switzerland. Until now, this important region of the Alpine country has been poorly served by flights to Morocco's two tourist hotspots. Easyjet offers direct flights from Geneva and Basel, but not from the country's economic capital. As of February 14, the Zurich Kloten service to Agadir Al Massira will become direct twice a week. Until now, the plane stopped in Marrakech. The schedule is good: departure from Zurich at 9.55 a.m., arrival in Agadir at 1.35 p.m. The flight from Agadir is fixed at 2.25 p.m. and the landing in Zurich at 5.55 p.m. two flights per week, Wednesday and Saturday. In appearance, ticket prices are higher than those of low-cost airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair. However, it includes many services which, with the latter companies, lead to significant supplements. This is how Edelweiss Air entitles you to a small luggage of 8 kg, a large luggage of 23 kg and, for those who need it, a large sports luggage of 23 kg as well. Food and soft drink included (our image). Next February, to take this example, the round trip Zurich-Agadir will be offered at 340 Swiss francs in economy class. It takes more than double for business class. Beware of a clause that can lead to surprises: if the plane is not full, the price of the ticket is recalculated...upwards of course! Also from mid-February, weekly rotations between Zurich Kloten and Marrakech Menara (our photo) will increase from two to four. The flight days are: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The increase in rates for Agadir and Marrakech is part of a strong expansion of Edelweiss towards Africa. For example, no less than 23 flights per week will be offered to Egypt, to three Red Sea airports, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, as well as that of Luxor.

The interior of the rehabilitated Kasbah of Agadir should be accessible to the general public by the end of 2023. This is announced by the Wilaya of the Souss Massa Region (prefecture), following a meeting of the steering committee, monitoring and evaluation of the Urban Development Program of the City of Agadir 2020-2024, at the origin of the fabulous ongoing transformation of the capital of Souss. However, the "heritage development" of the Kasbah intra muros will not be complete ! According to the press release, the northern part of the site is indeed "dependent on the movement of SNRT antennas" (National Radio and Television Company). In other words, while the need for this move has been known since at least the year 2020 and the Kasbah is the number one emblematic monument of Agadir, the responsible authorities have not managed to move these inconvenient antennas in time, including the apparently illegal presence has long been disputed... What a waste! To our knowledge, no explanation has been given, so far, as to the origin of this major hiccup. Our Google Maps completed by us shows, at the top, the location of these annoying antennas and, at the bottom, the arrival of the gondolas at the level of the Kasbah. By the end of this year at the latest, the public will therefore be able to discover the historical route in an amputated way, in the form of wooden and panel decking, which will take it through history of Agadir, as told by the Kasbah. As shown the red circle in our image, the end of the route imagined by the architect Salima Naji, the most intense and emotionally charged, will therefore not be visible, due to the presence of the antennas. This last part of the route (map of Salima Naji) includes a 1,000 m² ecumenical memorial. It is planned that this will be placed between the three historic tombs of the citadel. A symbolically broken mirror should take place in the heart of the amphitheater of meditation, to evoke the 1960 drama. The set should end through a corridor of remembrance adorned with a wall of multilingual testimonies. It was planned that the visitor would leave the Kasbah through a door in the eastern wall, before reaching the forecourt and the departure of the cable cars. In the absence of any official information, we are left to guesswork as to how this release will look like until the unsightly antennas have not been removed (our photo). Mystery also as to the date on which the resuscitated Kasbah will be made available to the public in a complete way. It's urgent !

The considerable efforts made to make Agadir not only a city dedicated to sport and leisure, but also culture have just found a new concretization, last Saturday August 5, with the inauguration of the new dress of the Théâtre de verdure, on the occasion of a musical evening which was held in front of an audience delirious. As our photo shows, there was not a free place to celebrate! A sizeable crowd (our photo) had gathered by the end of the day at the passage Ait Souss, in the city center, to participate in a moment that promised to be magical in this completely refurbished hemicycle. This work was built following the earthquake of 1960. It still showed a good state of stability, but also showed signs of aging. Its stone steps, which are accessed from the upper part, refer to ancient Greek architecture, which makes it all the originality for a modern open-air theater. The public present had a dream evening, as this video shows. The composer, arranger and conductor Amine Boudchar has indeed enchanted the Théâtre de verdure by proposing, he and his orchestra, a musical journey, named BoudchArt. The show was as much on the stage (our photo) as in the hemicycle. The public did not shy away from its pleasure by resuming in choir great works of Moroccan and oriental music with indescribable enthusiasm. We announced the promising transformation of the Théâtre de verdure two years ago already, in August 2021 . The installation is the property of the City of Agadir, chaired by Aziz Akhannouch, also head of the Moroccan government, who followed closely the progress of the work. Highlighted, the entrance facade has become imposing (our photo). The equipment of the bleachers has been reviewed. Solar panels have been installed. The work was quick. They only lasted six months. Their cost amounted to 15.2 million dirhams, or one and a half million euros. The Théâtre de verdure will not stop at its brilliant opening night, followed by the same concert the following day, Sunday. On August 12, for example, there will be a nostalgic rock concert, with the Coolshy Band (our image). On the 18th, place will be made for an evening Bombacomique. Other shows will follow: classical concerts, dance and even circus performances, theatrical performances. Agadir is on track to be the cultural beacon it aims to become, especially since the Grand Théâtre located a stone's throw from the Théâtre de verdure should open by the end of next year.

Morocco has two national languages: Arabic and the Berber (amazigh). It is also a country much more Berber than Arab. The third most used language, and often even the second, is French, given the historic links which unite the Kingdom and the French Republic. Despite a certain current, very regrettable, slump between the respective powers of the two countries, the French language is still popular in the streets of Moroccan cities and especially in those of Agadir. As seen in the photo above taken in a district of the capital of Souss, the names of businesses remain largely in French. Here, the language of Molière is even the only one, to point out that this café and tea room with a terrace is called "Merci". French is used to make chic, whatever the field concerned. Here, it is a butcher shop located opposite the Lalla Meryem Garden which has just been rehabilitated. Being understood by French speakers is undoubtedly a criterion, but not the first, which is also confirmed to us in this case by a French-speaking client. The butcher does not speak French. A new phenomenon: we see more storefronts written in English than in the past, proof that this language is extending its influence, given its use throughout the world, but also given the excellent relations that the Kingdom has with its great ally, the United States, as well as with Great Britain. What is France doing to save its place? President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte were received with great fanfare, in June 2017 in Rabat, by King Mohammed VI and his family (our photo). It was the newly elected president's first official outing outside of Europe. Morocco was then chosen in preference to the Algerian neighbor, with whom Morocco does not have good relations, to use a euphemism. Six years have passed. How distant this visit seems! Since then, the cordiality that seemed to characterize relations between the two countries has been replaced by less positive sentiments. Despite denials, the two leaders no longer seem on the same wavelength, which saddens the proponents of good relations between France and Morocco. Emmanuel Macron's visit to Rabat has been postponed several times. And yet, like this menu in French, there would be so much to do as a "suggestion of the day" to revitalize the Franco-Moroccan couple. Starting with the choice of new TGV intended to connect Casablanca and Agadir, by Marrakech and Essaouira, while China is showing up!

The Moroccan sun has become a considerable asset in the search for green energy. The Kingdom has the largest solar panel park in the world, in Ouarzazate . Its coasts also lend themselves well to wind turbines, in windy regions. About fifteen parks were created, from Tangier to Aftissat, near Boujdour, in the southern Saharan provinces. The most powerful, which is at the same time the most important in Africa, is that of Tarfaya. A few kilometers further than the old one Cap Juby by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, along the endless National Route 1, whose completion will soon be in sight, we can see spectacular wind turbines (our photo). This park of 131 masts, whose power is 300 megawatts, not only contributes to producing the electricity that the country needs, but also prepares the ground for the production of green hydrogen, considered as the clean energy of tomorrow. The enormous energy needs of developed economies require the use of hydrogen to achieve the ambitious objectives that have been set in the fight against climate change. The European Union, for example, has set a rreduction of its greenhouse gas emissions of at least 55% by 2030 (our chart). The industrial development of the use of hydrogen must however face many challenges: price of transformation, cost of electricity, decentralization, massive development of renewables, The hydrogen, which emits no pollution, is obtained using an electrolyser powered by electricity (our photo). It is in this context that Moroccan electricity production has advantages, first and foremost for Moroccan decarbonization, which largely remains to be done. The Kingdom is indeed located at the 16th place of the most polluting countries per inhabitant. Secondly, Moroccan electricity, whose development capacities can be considered as infinite (our photo), will be able to come massively in support of its own European productions, which are currently object of research, including in the alpine rocks. However, there is still a long way to go from the cut to the lips!

The first of the four Noor solar power plants (Noor means light in Arabic) was commissioned with great fanfare, on February 4, 2016, by King Mohammed VI. In November 2009, Morocco had unveiled its batteries and announced five sites. When the whole project has been completed, in 2020, Ouarzazate and Morocco will have the largest multi-technology solar production site in the world. And yet, no public visit is possible, while Ouarzazate intends to develop its tourism! As our Google map above shows, the Noor 1 Solar Power Plant is located north of Ouarzazate, facing the Atlas Mountains. From the Berber city, or more precisely from the Dar Daif kasbah, which we recommend for a stay in this city, you can get there in half an hour. World Emblem The idea of a solar circuit has been launched, but nothing concrete is proposed for the moment. It is very regrettable, as it is true that Noor, whose first stage covers 480 hectares, and which will eventually extend over 3,000 hectares, is emerging as one of the world emblems of sustainable development. When the four units of the Ouarzazate solar power plant are completed, they will produce 580 MW per year. Other solar power plants will cover the entire national territory: Aïn Beni Mathar, near Taza, Sabkhate Tah, near Tarfaya, Foum Al Oued and Boujdour, in the southern provinces. Dependence on fossil fuels, of which Morocco is more than 95% an importer, will be greatly reduced, to some 60% by 2020 already. Solar, wind and hydro will each produce a share of 14% of the needs. Coal will be reduced from 34 to 26% and fuel oil from 24 to 14%. European and multilateral funding Noor is a Moroccan creation. It stems from the Desertec plan, a pharaonic project which intended to build an immense string of thermal power stations from Jordan to Morocco, without CO2 emission. Funding is made possible through foreign sources. Proof that Morocco and the Noor project are credible. The French Development Agency, the German banking group KFW and the European Investment Bank have granted loans amounting to 100 million euros each, making a total of 300 million euros. The KFW group has also granted a donation of 15 million euros. The European Commission has put 30 million in the bride's basket, also in the form of a donation. The World Bank granted a loan of 500 million euros and the African Development Bank a loan of 100 million euros.

Surprise on the seafront Agadir : just before the start of the summer season, the bay has just received new lighting that is both magical and ecological. Magic because projections of motifs inspired by local and Moroccan culture, which can be modified at will, now animate not only the promenade, but also the beach itself, to sublimate the natural setting dominated by the rehabilitated Kasbah, also enhanced by light (our photo). Ecological, because the new LED lamps consume 80% less energy compared to old installations and are more respectful of the night sky. This new scenography is part of the renovation of the cornice and the tourist area. It bears the signature of the Lyon-based agency named Les Eclaireurs, responsible for many prestigious creations in Europe and on other continents. In Morocco, she received the mandate for the beautification of the university campus of Benguerir. She was also responsible for the design of the light of Museum of the reconstruction and memory of Agadir, whose opening, expected in 2022, is finally announced for next September. The new luminous colored carpet, which extends over four kilometers, spectacularly completes the lighting of the public roads which appeared from the military district to Avenue Mohammed V, before extending to other arteries of the city, to make Agadir a city of light. This work was carried out with the expertise of the company Salvi, from Barcelona. The originality of the bay lighting is that it is remotely managed, which makes it possible to control all the projectors installed and consequently create "an infinity of light scenarios in a few clicks", as noted by the project manager, the Agadir Souss-Massa Aménagement development company, acting on behalf of the local authorities. Different atmospheres can thus be offered throughout the night and on the occasion of major holidays. Our photo shows a calligraphy of Amazigh inspiration. Agadir is the first Moroccan metropolis to equip itself with this innovative system.

The city of Agadir is not just embellishing centre of the conurbation, where tourists are most numerous. It is also operating its spectacular transformation in outlying districts. For example in Tikiouine, a southeastern district of the metropolis. While, until now, the population had to be satisfied with very mediocre relaxation areas for playing football or spending the evening, neat green spaces will soon appear (our images), parallel to the arrival of the Trambus next year, including the terminus is planned in the locality. At Tikiouine, the Trambus will cross the main road through a roundabout which has just been set up (and rather three times than once...). The construction works of the track reserved for Amalway are very advanced (our photo). They need significant changes in circulation, not without creating inevitable groans. As if you couldn't make an omelet without breaking eggs! On either side of the main road, the planned green surfaces (above a video from Agadir Première magazine) will radically transform the landscape. Mothers of families will thus be able to sit on benches, in the shade of trees, whereas until now they were forced to sit on the ground... Tikiouine is all the more ready to move on to another stage in its history as, at the same time, we are witnessing the start of preparations for the development of the Parc métropolitain of 27 hectares. Located west of this district, so close to Dcheira and Inezgane, it will mainly be devoted to sports activities. The budget reaches 80 million dirhams (8 million euros), which gives an idea of the ambition pursued. Tikiouine will also see the appearance of a covered room (our photo), intended for sports activities. This new feature is part of the famous Urban development program. This provides - among other things! -, the provision of four indoor swimming pools, one at Bensergao, the second a Wifaq, third in the neighborhood Al Houda. The construction of these three works is in progress, while a fourth basin is already visible at Hay Mohammadi, behind the Moov'Up fitness center. Icing on the cake, an Olympic pool is planned next to the Grand Adrar Stadium.