mardi 19 août 2014

WALKS AND TOURS IN TANGIER

Kasbah of Tangier Soul ...

Separated by the Medina walls, the Kasbah, old Palace hotel overlooks the harbor and the city heights. It can be accessed by Bab El Hassa to find beautiful homes, the Palace of the Sultan "Dar el Mekhzen" coffee lovers Strait Andalusian music, the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Antiquities "Dar el ghorfa" where one can discover prehistoric and ancient remains of Tangier.


The palace hosts (Ex Museum Forbes)

Mendoub palace early in its construction it was converted into a museum by Malcom Forbes attracted avid contemporary history presented in the form of statuettes depicting the major battles (Waterloo, 1815, Dien Bien Phu, the battle of the Three Kings, armed crowds Sultan Abdel Malek). Now it was turned into the Guest House official brand transition to Tangier.


Dar el Mekhzen

Rebuilt in 1740, the palace is now the Museum of Moroccan Arts Tangier. It contains a fine collection of Moroccan craftsmanship. Bronzes and mosaics from the Roman sites of Lixus, Cotta, or Banasa Volubilis. That's what they said after the famous "navigation Venus" mosaic where the goddess throne among nymphs in the back of a ship cutting through the blue, almost transparent waters. The history of Tangier and its region is traced back to the first floor. In Room 3, devoted to ancient burial rites, next to the grave of a child buried in a jar and small sarcophagi lead, stands the amazing life-size model of a Carthaginian tomb. Finish the tour with the lovely Andalusian garden, where seems to sleep for eternity, an ancient necropolis restored.


The "El Hafa" coffee

It has existed since the 1920s This coffee with its unique site, is suspended from a cliff and installed on small terraces. The Beatles, Randy Weston, Sean Connery and many other celebrities have gone over there to enjoy a delicious mint tea, a specialty of these places.


The Cervantes Theatre

Opened in 1913, it was once the largest theater in North Africa. Its extraordinary architecture, its 1,400 seats, its machinery more efficient at the time, seduce the greatest artists, including Lola Flores was received there regularly.


The Grand Socco

The Grand Socco (from the Spanish meaning souk) is located at the entrance of the Medina. It is the busiest place in town. It is the former residence of Mendoub (representative of the Sultan). The German Embassy also took up residence there in the 1940s Today is a court whose garden is a beauty. Old trees bear witness to the history of the places mentioned.


Petit Socco

To follow in the footsteps of luminaries such as Paul Bowles, Jean Genet, Paul Morand or Pasolini, there is no better than a mint tea in small cafes Socco. There is also a large mosque built in the eighteenth century on the ruins of an old Portuguese Cathedral.


Saint Andrew Church

During the 1880s, a collection was held for the construction of this church. Andalusian style its finish is the work of artisans brought from Fez. Sultan Moulay Hassan I contributed to it by the donation of the land. In 1884, the tower was erected, its arch is inscribed with a prayer in Arabic.


Legation of the United States

This is the first American historical monument located outside the United States. It is a small palace, located in the heart of the Kasbah, offered in 1821 by Sultan Moulay Suleiman the fifth president of the United States, James Monroe. It was called "Consulate" until 1923, and then adopted the name of Legation. Today it houses a collection of paintings on Morocco as well as old maps including that of Leo Africanus.
This museum traces the history of American and Moroccan relations. One can discover a letter from George Washington to Moulay Abdellah. A collection of mirrors, works of Lecouteux, Ben Ali R'bati, the first Moroccan "Naive".


Duo suns on Tangier

In Tangier, two Caps overlook the two confused seas Cape Malabata which is oriented towards the rising sun and Cape Spartel who turns to the Atlantic and the sunset. To see: the blue hour Malabata where sky and sea merge into one light. Cap Spartel meanwhile particularly attracted to dusk. The horizon is so pink and fragrant plants. This Cape is the very tip of Africa. It is located not far from the famous caves of Hercules.


Caves of Hercules

Located 10 km from Tangier, it is natural and limestone caves in which the sea enters at high tide. According to Greek mythology, it was inside the cave Hercules found rest after the completion of his exploits.


the port

First national port for passenger traffic and international road transport. He knows a wide passenger traffic passengers over a million people per year.
Tangier is distinguished by its free zone, located directly on the port yards. It attracts loads with high added value. The ongoing rehabilitation works and port buildings, commissioning craft containers, preventive and routine maintenance of equipment, the introduction of the system working 16 continuous hours for general cargo and the 24 hours travelers, help to ensure the port of Tangier quality service.


The new city

The new city of Tangier's main artery Boulevard Pasteur, lined with modern buildings and residences. Amid these buildings opens a magnificent view of the harbor and the Bay of Tangier. The Tangier call it "Sour Al Maâgazine" or "Wall lazy."


Other places to discover

Gardens Mendoubia whose trees are older than eight centuries and the Mosque of Sidi BOUABID overlooking the medina minaret decorated with multicolored tiles. You should also visit the site of Faro, instead of France, the Bordj Hadjoui and Marshan neighborhood.

TANGIER IN PICTURES

An old painting of the city



The new city



The old city



The "Corniche"



The Grand Socco before works







lundi 18 août 2014

DISCOVER TANGIER

True point between Spain and Morocco, Tangier is the gateway to the country for anyone who goes there by boat, via the Strait of Gibraltar. It then arrives in a bustling city, as well as industrial tourism: in addition to passengers, the port parade along many commodities.
Beyond the port and its activities, Tangier is also a nice resort with beautiful beaches and offering a quality hotel. 

Discovering Tangier 



Given its geographic location, Tangier is a country of contrasts between Africa and Europe. This contrast no binding, was married harmoniously and highlighted by nature and history. Thus, upon arrival in Tangier, you can expect to discover exceptional places. 
On the one hand, a medina composed of traditional houses, picturesque streets with obvious oriental air. On the other, a modern atmosphere and energized by European cultures. Must Tangier are many, but if we are to name a few, there first has the Place du Petit Socco and Grand Socco. 
This is a market in the heart of the city, but it can also be designated as a commercial hub. Hike alleys attached to them and allow yourself to visit the traditional and authentic shops or coffee breaks. 
Otherwise, just enjoy the long lines of white houses and arcades - including hotels - or enjoy the view overlooking the harbor. Not far away, you have the Place de France. This is the starting point for the European version of Tangier, with a distinguished side decorated with wealthy mansions facing the ocean. 

Tangier, the city of two faces 

North of Morocco, Tangier is almost at the gates of Europe. This is particularly the ease of access that explains the influx of European tourists in the city. Of course, that's not all, because if you decide to visit Tangier, it is also for the wonders it contains, in architecture and urban planning, ambience and entertainment, but also its beautiful beaches. 
Whether you program discoveries holidays, relaxing holidays or wellness holidays, Tanger will then meet your needs, even the most demanding. 

Tanger destination 

Tangier is a fascinating place to visit, it's an interesting mix of North Africa, Spain and France, with whatever exotic and mysterious, and also the beautiful vistas, beautiful beaches and friendly people. Walking is perhaps the best way to see discover the compact center of Tangier. Medina area is not any way that is accessible only by foot. 
In addition to the medina, the main tourist attractions in Tangier include: 
The long walk along the beach (Avenue Mohamed VI). 
The Contemporary Art Museum of the City of Tangier. 
The Museum of the Kasbah, the old palace of Sultan worth seeing not only for its collection of objects from the Phoenician era to modern times, but also for the building and garden. 
The American Legation Museum in the walled city. 
The souk, Thursday and Sunday morning. 
The large market of Casa Barata. 

Tangier, stay under the sign of idleness 



In Tangier, sunbathing can be experienced in many ways. You can simply leave you basking on one of its beautiful beaches and enjoy good food typical to the local restaurant, or let yourself be transported by the music culture and all other art forms available in the city. 
The animations are not lacking, especially during the summer when the nights are reserved for international festivals. Another option is to allow the relaxation absolute welfare come to you. For this you only have to enter a wellness center, a steam room, a spa and not worry about the rest. 
The advantage of this concept in Tangier and elsewhere throughout Morocco is that it is a lifestyle. So those who will welcome you to fulfill your expectations. Optionally, you can opt for a cruise because Tangier is a place of many tours from all over Europe but also worldwide. 

Tangier corner to sleep 

As for accommodation and catering, there are many hotels along the avenue Mohamed V but also a plethora of bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes. For a cheap hotel near the port looking for. The restaurants on Avenue Mohamed V usually offer European and Moroccan dishes to something typical Moroccan direct you instead to the medina. Another place to go is the place next to the bus station, there are several cafes and restaurants. There are also some good seafood restaurants near the harbor. 

Stay in Tangier 

Tanger is another exciting destination of Morocco, where we easily spend three-four days to soak up the atmosphere and making the rounds of the city and its sights. Flights connect several French cities in Tangier, some low cost really cheap. Otherwise, the shortest routes is by boat from Spain from Tarifa and Algeciras. 
Tangier has a relatively diverse range of accommodation, which adapts her living on a Budget: affordable small hotels in the city center, the riads in the medina, or large 4-5 star hotels near the beach for example. It is in these neighborhoods that attract the most visitors, which is found most of the restaurants and cafes of Tangier. 

In all cases, benefits such as prices vary widely from one address to another, best to find a minimum before booking. It will not be so difficult to get out cheaply while enjoying a good situation.

THE MYTICAL CITY



Today, the powerful charm of Tangier operates ... The formerly sulphurous streets of Petit Socco terraces more than ever avant-garde of the many cafes.


The white Tangier

Historically, the medina of Tangier has fascinated and inspired artists. Eugène Delacroix, Henri Matisse, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, Jean Genet ... the list goes on. All succumbed to the charm of the place du Petit Socco and cafes, including the famous Tingis. Despite its bad reputation because of the casinos and dance halls that abounded at the time. North of the medina, the old Palais du Mendoub, built in 1929, is now a house for welcoming foreign guests. In the far south, the museum is installed in the former American Legation. This building houses paintings and an entire room is devoted to the American writer Paul Bowles. It is through the Grand Socco you'll get out of the medina, a very lively place in the evening, which begins the transition to the new city.


The new town

North of the Grand Socco, the park Mendoubia offers a pleasant stroll. Fig and banyan giant dragon that would highlight the visit 800 years. Take the Rue de la Liberté, a shopping street you will come to the place of France. This is the heart of the modern city with the famous Grand Café de Paris and the Hotel El Minzah frequented by big names in art and literature of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This place is always in fashion. By moving on instead of Faro with his guns, you will discover the breathtaking views of the Medina, the harbor and the bay of Tangier. At the top of the cliff, the mythical Hafa cafe overlooks the Strait of Gibraltar.