Exploring the Blue Pearl: A Journey to Chefchaouen

Sunday Strolls and Artistic Finds in Chefchaouen

Today was a delightful blend of leisurely exploration and cultural immersion here in Chefchaouen. Jean-Pierre and I set out with no particular agenda, eager to simply soak in the atmosphere and discover what hidden gems the day might hold. After several days of planned excursions, it felt liberating to wander aimlessly, letting the town reveal itself to us.

Our morning began with a gentle stroll down Boulevard Mohamed V. The boulevard was already bustling with activity. Families were out for a morning walk, the scent of freshly baked bread wafted from nearby bakeries, and the sounds of locals chatting created a vibrant ambiance. It was the perfect way to start our day, feeling the pulse of Chefchaouen.


Discover the magical blue streets of Chefchaouen, Morocco's enchanting mountain town filled with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine.
We paused at a small café, ordering mint tea and pastries. Sipping the sweet, fragrant tea, I watched the world go by, noticing the intricate details of the architecture and the colorful clothing of the passersby. Jean-Pierre, ever the people-watcher, amused himself by trying to decipher snippets of conversations in Arabic and French. It's moments like these, simple and unhurried, that I truly cherish.

The beauty of travel lies not just in seeing new places, but in experiencing them fully, embracing the unexpected, and connecting with the local culture.

Next on our list was Place El Haouta, a charming square in the heart of the medina. As we approached, the sounds of music and laughter grew louder. The square was alive with activity – street vendors selling handcrafted goods, children playing, and locals engaged in animated conversations. It was a sensory feast.


Discover the mesmerizing blue hues of Chefchaouen, Morocco's enchanting mountain town, where culture, beauty, and tranquility come together.
I was immediately drawn to a small stall selling colorful ceramics. The intricate designs and vibrant hues were captivating, and I couldn't resist purchasing a small tagine as a souvenir. Jean-Pierre, meanwhile, was haggling with a vendor selling leather goods, determined to find the perfect belt. His bargaining skills, honed from years of navigating French flea markets, were put to good use, and he eventually secured a great deal.

Lunchtime found us at Restaurant populaire, a local eatery recommended by our hotel. The restaurant was simple and unpretentious, with a menu featuring traditional Moroccan dishes. We ordered tagine and couscous, eager to savor the authentic flavors of the region. The food was delicious, hearty, and satisfying, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. It felt like we were dining in someone's home.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Populaire in Chefchaouen, where every dish is a celebration of local flavors and culinary traditions.
In the afternoon, we decided to indulge our artistic sides with a visit to the Tetuan Modern Art Center. Though a short drive from Chefchaouen, the change of scenery was welcome. Housed in a beautifully restored former train station, the center showcased a diverse collection of modern Moroccan art. I was particularly impressed by the bold colors and abstract forms, which seemed to reflect the vibrant energy of the country itself. Jean-Pierre, with his engineering background, was fascinated by the architecture of the building, admiring the way the old structure had been seamlessly integrated with modern design.


Explore contemporary creativity at the Tetuan Modern Art Center, a vibrant hub showcasing local and international artistic talent in Tetouan.
After immersing ourselves in art, we drove back to Chefchaouen and decided to explore the local shops. We ventured into Jabir shop chefchaouen, a treasure trove of local crafts and souvenirs. The shop was filled with an array of goods – colorful textiles, intricate metalwork, fragrant spices, and hand-carved wooden items. I was particularly drawn to the vibrant textiles, imagining the beautiful scarves and shawls I could create with them. Jean-Pierre, on the other hand, was fascinated by the spices, carefully sniffing each one and trying to identify its unique aroma. We ended up purchasing a selection of spices to bring back to Lyon, eager to recreate the flavors of Morocco in our own kitchen.


Explore Jabir Shop in Chefchaouen for unique Moroccan gifts and souvenirs that embody the spirit of the blue city.
For dinner, we chose Restaurant Ali Baba, drawn in by the enticing aromas wafting from its kitchen. We were not disappointed. The restaurant offered a delightful vegetarian experience! The couscous was perfectly cooked, and the fresh vegetables were full of flavor. A must-visit for any vegetarian looking to enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine! We savored every bite, accompanied by refreshing glasses of mint lemonade.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine at Restaurant Ali Baba in Chefchaouen's enchanting blue streets.
As the sun began to set, we found ourselves at Restaurant Hamsa, a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of the blue city. Sipping mint tea, we watched as the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors, casting a magical glow over the town. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.


Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine and delightful teas at Restaurant Hamsa in Chefchaouen's charming blue city.
Tomorrow, we plan to visit Lavadero de la ciudad and Bab Chaouen, and perhaps enjoy a drink at Restaurant Bar Chaouen. But for now, I'm content to simply savor the memories of today, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty and charm of Chefchaouen. It’s nights like these that remind me of why I love to travel.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm reminded of something my grandmother used to say: "The best souvenirs aren't things, but moments." And today was filled with countless unforgettable moments, etched forever in my memory.

Good night from Chefchaouen!

I'm already anticipating what tomorrow will bring, as we continue our exploration of this enchanting blue city. I am particularly excited to visit Lavadero de la ciudad, as I read it is a very picturesque spot. And I would also like to experience the night life at Restaurant Bar Chaouen. I've also heard great things about Corazon De Marruecos, so I hope we will be able to check it out as well. So excited for tomorrow!

The trip is slowly coming to an end, with only two days left. I’m starting to think about all the memories we've made, and how I can’t wait to come back to Morocco in the future. I also have to remember to buy some gifts for our friends and family back in Lyon. I am sure they will love all the spices and textiles we found here in Chefchaouen. I am also very glad that Jean-Pierre is enjoying this trip as much as I am. He keeps telling me how relaxed he feels, and how much he loves the food. It makes me so happy to see him so content.