Morocco from Above: Fès el-Bali’s Hidden Beauty

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Category: Destination in video

Destination in video

Some gazes have the power to transform the world. Eyes placed upon the Earth from above, able to reveal what we no longer see when walking at ground level, the rustling beauty of a land, its golden scars, its labyrinths of life.

Yann Arthus-Bertrand is one of those rare souls. Photographer, filmmaker, and tireless bearer of wonder, he has devoted his life to capturing our planet from the sky. With “Morocco from Above”, released in September 2023, he offers an aerial portrait of rare intensity of this kingdom of a thousand faces. From the ridges of the Atlas Mountains to the endless dunes of the Sahara, from wind-swept Atlantic shores to secret valleys where time stretches out, every frame is an invitation to see differently.

Fez, of course, holds a singular place in this vision. Seen from above, the medina reveals itself as it truly is: a living, dense, organic body, whose alleyways knot and unknot like the threads of a precious carpet. The green-tiled rooftops of the ancient madrasas, the delicate smoke rising from the tanneries, the minarets piercing the skyline compose a geography of the soul that words can barely capture. The documentary reminds us that Fès el-Bali is not only an ancient city, it is a city in permanent movement, a city that always reinvent itself.

We invite you to take eighty minutes to watch this exceptional film and let these images carry you somewhere deeper. Then, if the desire stirs within you to descend from the sky and place your feet within this labyrinth of stone and light, we will be here, at the very heart of the Fez medina, ready to welcome you as you deserve.

« The Earth from above: understand our world to protect it. »

Yann Arthus-Bertrand

YouTube channel of French filmmaker and photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand, founded in 2008. Specializes in environmental and humanitarian documentaries, offering an aerial and poetic perspective on global issues. Global audience of millions of subscribers interested in ecology and geopolitics.

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7 Best Things to do in and around Fez, Morocco by World Wild Hearts

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Category: Destination in video

World Wild Hearts is the travel blog of Zac and Ine, full-time digital nomads from the United States and Belgium. They met while studying abroad in 2018 and have been traveling the world together ever since. They try to be inspiring for their audience’s next adventure, whether it’s hiking in the Canadian Rockies, a road trip through the US, or backpacking across Africa. They have visited over 50 countries combined and love discovering the cultural and natural beauty in new places. Travel changed their lives and they believe it can be life-changing for others as well…

Zac and Ine visited Fez in December 2022 and filmed the following points of interest including:

> Fez Medina: The oldest walled part of Fez, often called el Bali, is a maze of over 9,000 narrow alleyways. It is recommended to take a guided tour, especially on the first day, to explore the historical sites and souks. The narrow streets of the medina keep out cars and most motorcycles.

> Marinid Tombs: Located on a hill north of the city, these tombs offer a panoramic view of the medina. Although the tombs are in a ruined state, they are still worth visiting for the view.

> Jnan Sbil Gardens: The only public garden in the area, it offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the medina.

> Bou Inania Madrasa: A 14th-century Islamic school, it is one of the few religious buildings that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. Visitors can admire the carved woodwork, marble courtyard, mosaic tile work, and decorations.

> Chouara Tannery: Located in the old town, the tannery has been the center of the city’s leather industry since the medieval era. The only way to get a bird’s-eye view of the dying pits is to visit the leather stores surrounding the tannery area.

They also mention that Fez is also a good starting point for visiting other places:

Volubilis: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is located an hour and a half drive from Fez. It is home to the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco.

Meknes: Known for its imperial past, the city of Meknes is often visited on day trips to Volubilis.

Chefchaouen: Known as the “Blue City”, or the “Blue Medina”, Chefchaouen is a three and a half-hour drive away and offers picturesque streets with houses painted in different shades of blue.

Zac & Ine's important tips

  • Download offline maps, like maps.me or Google Maps, as the streets of the medina are very narrow and the phone networks not always available.
  • Be careful of people trying to guide you through the medina, they might ask you for money in return.
  • Some places of interest in Fez may be closed, so check the opening hours before your visit.

"One of the nice things about the old town of Fez is that the streets are really narrow, which keeps all of the cars and most of the motorcycles out."
Zac & Ine
Travellers

You can watch more trips and destinations visited by Zac and Ine on their YouTube channel, on their Instagram, as well as on their website…

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