Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Atlantic Coast Highlights
Sip tea at the Andalucian Gardens in the
Kasbah Les Oudaias
(
Click here
) in Rabat
Swim in the warm waters of the
Oualidia lagoon
(
Click here
), before gorging on local oysters for
lunch
Take the shiny new tram to Casablanca's smart pavement
cafes
(
Click here
)
Eat
freshly grilled seafood
(
Click here
) in the salty breeze of the Essaouira harbour
Birdwatch on the lagoon at
Moulay Bousselham
(
Click here
)
Gaze at the murals in Assilah's
medina
(
Click here
)
Marvel at the water cistern in El-Jadida's
Cité Portugaise
(
Click here
)
Imagine yourself as a Roman at the ancient site of
Lixus
(
Click here
)
Look up in Casablanca at the glorious
Mauresque buildings
(
Click here
)
TOP OF CHAPTER
Casablanca (Dar el-Baïda)
POP 4 MILLION
Many travellers stay in Casablanca just long enough to change planes or catch a train, but
the sprawling metropolis deserves more time. It may not be as exotic as other Moroccan
cities, but it is the country's economic capital, and it represents Morocco on the move: Cas-
ablanca is where the money is being made, where the industry is, where art galleries show
the best contemporary art and where fashion designers have a window on the world. The
old pirate lair is looking towards the future, showing off its wealth and achievements.
The first French resident-general, Louis Hubert Gonzalve Lyautey hired French architect
Henri Prost to redesign Casablanca in the early 20th century as the economic centre of the
new protectorate and, indeed, as the jewel of the French colonies. His wide boulevards and
modern urban planning still survive, and mark the city as more European than Moroccan.
However, Lyautey under-estimated the success of his own plans and the city grew far bey-
ond his elaborate schemes. By the end of WWII, Casablanca had a population of 700,000
and was surrounded by heaving shanty towns.
Casablancais are cosmopolitan, and are more open to Western ways than other places in
Morocco. This is reflected in their dress, and in the way men and women hang out together
in restaurants, bars, beaches and hip clubs. But Europe is not the only inspiration. More and
