Experience in Fez, Morocco, by Wissal

How do you feel about living in Fez? Do you recommend it? How is the city?

As you may know, Fez occupies a strategic position because it's located at the crossroads of several destinations from the four corners of the country, in the heart of a region which presents an immense patrimonial but also natural richness. It is partly for this reason that the city was founded in the ninth century in this place, on the outskirts of the Middle Atlas. The hinterland is crossed by high places of culture and villages which are of great interest: Volubilis, the most important Roman site in Morocco, Moulay-Idriss, the green-roofed city overlooking the Ruins of Volubilis, and home to the descendant of the prophet Mohamed who brought Islam to the heart of Morocco, Sefrou, who still remembers the Jewish culture, one of the largest in Morocco, troglodyte houses of Bahlil... The landscapes are nonetheless exceptional with the forests of cedars and oaks, in the regions of Azrou and Ifrane, the cascades of Ouzoud and the thermal springs of Immouzer and Moulay Yacoub.

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I strongly recommend it.

How is the student atmosphere in Fez?

I really did not live a student life in Fez. That's why I can not give you more information about the student atmosphere. But what I can tell you is that this atmosphere differs according to the private / public schools / universities.

What is the cost of living in Fez?

It's really cheap.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Fez? Do you have any advice?

No, it really is not difficult to find an accommodation in Fez. But we must avoid living in the working-class neighborhoods (the suburbs of Fes: Ain Qadus, Awint Al Hajjaj, Ben Dbab).

How is food in the city? What are your favorite meals?

The Fassi cuisine is quite traditional and delicious.

• Couscous
• Chicken
• Pastilla

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What places do you recommend seeing in Fez?

The Medrassas: A medersa is a school where the Koran is taught and all the classical subjects of knowledge: mathematics, grammar, history, astronomy, medicine... In Morocco, and especially in Fez, the function of the medersa is also to welcome students from other regions. Generally, it's organized around a central courtyard with a fountain. Classes are taught under the rich arches on the sides.

The oldest university.

The Karaouiyine mosque is one of the most imposing in Morocco. It shelters the university considered to be the oldest in the world, founded in the middle of the ninth century, at which time the fundamental subjects were theology, grammar and Koranic law. Facing it, the medersa El-Attarine is considered the most beautiful of the Medina.

Mérinides erected this masterpiece between 1323 and 1325. Its interior courtyard is beautifully decorated. The walls are covered with carved suras in wood or plaster. The fountain and the marble columns are decorated with zelliges.

And to eat in Fez? Can you tell us your favorite places?

Moroccan cuisine:

• The Amandier Palais Faraj
• Restaurant Dar Hatim
• Riad Rcif

Cafes:

• La Momie
• Titanic
• La suite

What places do you recommend to go out in Fez?

• Atlas
• Ancient Medina
• Saada
• Bab Ftouh
• Talââ
• Rcif

What advice do you want to give future Erasmus students in Fez?

Fez is said to be the "spiritual city" of Morocco, ancestral city and part of the world heritage..

Like the rest of the imperial cities, you will find the traditional antique part (Medina) and the new modern part (City).. it's an amalgam between tradition and modernity.. It is generally referred to as Fez Bali (Ancient Fez) Fes Jdid (Modern Fes)...

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Compared to the standard of living in France, you will be TOO spoiled! The transport is not too expensive... Life is not too expensive, I reassure you! But you can afford luxury if you want; -)

As for the locals, like all the people of Morocco... good and bad! Motto to be taken is MEFIANCE especially for a stranger who does not yet know the background of the aboriginal character! I tell you this because the location of this city makes it populated by people of various origins: people who are native to this city, people who came after a rural exodus: rifains and mountaineers. The fact that it's a spiritual city does not prevent the existence of evildoers and thieves... especially, avoids the suburbs of Fez.

Otherwise, you will admire this city.. especially the breathtaking artistic activities: the sacred music world.. you will admire the culinary arts and crafts.. also you will fall under the spell of the neighboring regions of the city especially the Ifrane where you can practice skiing... yes, skiing on snow!

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Last tip: try to drink mineral water! If you get lost in the city, ask for information to a police officer preferably.

Be welcome, if you need something w. [email protected] is my email address, I will be at your disposal at any time.

Good Luck