The Garden OF STARS
Riad between Agadir and Taroudant, in southern Morocco
Holiday rental with a resident of Swiss nationality
Kasbat Souss: number one artisan village
Made of odds and ends, unlike the sophisticatedMedina of Coco Polizzi, the village of craftsmen Kasbat Souss (which we also see written Kasbah Souss) does not look so much from the outside. Inside, it's something else: a very lively artisanal souk, which is even the number oneagadir ToTaroudant.
The number of shops that are gathered there is around fifty, and they are all interesting for anyone who wants to bring back a quality souvenir from their stay in Morocco.
We reach Kasbat Souss in 35 to 40 minutes from the Jardin aux Etoiles, by Aït Melloul and Inezgane. The village is located in Bensergao, on the left, shortly before the Royal Palace and the Marjane department store.
Kasbat Souss brings together craftsmen who, for the most part, came fromthe Medina of Coco Polizzi, at theas a result of the financial dispute that has long been established with the managers of the latter.
The great diversity of shops and the interest of the products made there make it our number one craft village. The atmosphere is pleasant, relaxed as long as you put your mind to it. These artisans must support their families. They are therefore active vis-à-vis the potential customer, but not pushy.
We necessarily haggle there, without aggressiveness. Make it a fun time! And claim the Jardin aux Etoiles, you will benefit from better prices!
From weavers to potters
Some artisans work in front of visitors: weavers busy at their loom, potters, cobblers, tinsmiths, stone and wood carvers, cedar wood marquetry specialists. This last specialty, born in Essaouira, spread to Agadir with a certain happiness.
A pottery workshop named Agadir Pottery is installed at the back of Kasbat Souss, ocean side. You can order all kinds of custom-made items there. The terracotta letters that designate the main rooms of the Jardin aux Etoiles, such as theAtlas Lounge, come from here.
There is also an art gallery, whose good quality of works has nothing to do with the crusts sold to tourists near the big hotels. Figurative or non-figurative, the paintings on display are worth stopping to contemplate and perhaps... take away. Let us quote among the painters exposed the Berber artistMubarak Amman.
Among the countless pieces of furniture and objects that arouse wonder in Kasbat Souss: the Khemisset kilim rugs that were used to furnish the Agadir room or even the table in the fireplace corner of the Atlas Lounge.
A shop has recently opened in the northern part of Kasbat Souss. NamedUpcyclemo, it is hosted by Mohamed Khattou (see the video below andthe message published on our blog).
It presents objects made with tires: armchairs, lounge chairs, mirrors, poufs, baskets, handbags. chairs.es armchairs, each more inventive than the next, tables, lounge chairs, as well as accessories.
Upcyclemo personalizes its creations, to the tastes of its customers, mainly European, but not only. An excellent ecological initiative!
Free admission
Unlike the Medina of Coco Polizzi, the entrance is free. The car park has an uneven surface both in front of the main road and behind the village of artisans, on the ocean side. But it's so authentic!
Open every day, including Sunday. Kasbat Souss isthe starting point for camel rides, a fun addition to the visit to this craftsmen's village.
A point of grammar
Why is this artisanal village called Kasbat Souss, with the final letter t which seems incongruous to European ears? Because, in Arabic, if we write Kasbah when no noun follows this noun, we must on the other hand replace the h by the t in the case where a noun accompanies the first.
It is therefore grammatically wrong to speak of Kasbah Souss. CQFD!
A question ? Don't hesitate to call Latifa, 00212 6 753 84 662. Fine fly, she will answer almost everything.
AT 45 minutes
from Garden to the Stars.
Google Maps indicates Agadir Poterie, which is one of the craftsmen of Kasbat Souss. The car park shown on this map is at the back of the craftsmen's village.
Good deal
A very friendly restaurant inside Kasbat Souss
Kasbat Souss includes a shaded restaurant, open to both artisans and visitors. It serves excellent dishes, based on poultry or fish, as well as the dish of the day, which can consist of sardines, for example. You can eat there almost any time.
The place is simple, charming, pleasant and shady. The prices turn out to be very reasonable. Fresh squeezed orange juice, without any addition of water. Italian coffee.
The boss, Abdellah, is eloquent, speaks four languages fluently and gives you a string of jokes.
For a somewhat special meal, for example based on fish, it is recommended to book on the number +212 6,597,690 75 or by email at aitoumanniabdellah@gmail.com
Highly recommended, unlike the interior restaurant with the catastrophic reception of the Medina of Coco Polizzi!