Gardens of the Fez medina
In the arabo-andalousian culture the garden is a major element of the architectural balance and of the art of living.
Fez has been one of the first cities in the world to built a water distribution network which has enabled the city to
develop the art of gardening.
Today there are not many well kept and impressive gardens remaining in the medina. The "Palaces and Andalusian gardens" green walk
which is signposted with green arrows in the medina, is a bit disapointing in terms of gardens but include two gardens really worth
a visit :
- the Jnan Sbil garden which has just been restored and should be open to the public later in 2010.
- the garden of Riyad Mokri, a peaceful and well kept garden in the heart of the medina.
Warning : the Ryad Mokri is different from the Palais Mokri, also located on the green walk but which we do not recommend to visit where
it is indicated, the garden lies fallow and it is ill-frequented, the interesting part of the palace, which can be visited for its architecture,
is located further downhill (not on the green walk) and one needs to call in advance for a visit.
The garden of the Batha Museum is also nice, it could be a marvel if it was better kept !
Some private garden are also worth a visit : the garden of the Palais Jamai (hotel Sofitel), is probably the nicest in the
medina.
The new town (Ville nouvelle)
The new town has many wide avenues spotted with fountains and planted with plane trees, flowers and majestuous palm trees.
We recommend to walk down the Ben-Abdellah and Hassan II avenues (main avenues of the city center) and continue to the Royal Palace.
Many streets and avenues of the new town planted with jacarandas are very beautiful in May or June, at the time of blossoming when the trees turn blue.