Fès- Shopping
I went to Fès in the beginning of August. I understood that it would be hot, around 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Don't be alarmed, because it's actually dry heat and felt less hot than an 85 degree day in New York.
Fès is one of the more religiously observant cities in Morocco, so be sure to dress respectfully. I tended to wear dresses that went to the knee or below. Steer towards modest necklines, and cover your arms if possible. If not, at least cover your shoulders. You will see other tourists on bus groups dressed in tank tops and shorts, but it really isn't appropriate.
I stayed at Riad Fès, which is located inside the walls of the Medina. It is an incredible hotel, and I would recommend it to anyone staying in Fès.
Shopping in Morocco can also be a learning experience. Many of the shops that are sponsored by the government will also give you a lesson on how they make their products. Fès is known for their pottery and beautiful tile work. If you're able to bring a tile fountain or table top back for your home, this is the place to look! Many shops offer shipping, so don't worry about hauling your finds back to the USA.
If you're looking for tile or pottery, go to Naji Arts. This shop doubles as a work shop where you can view the artisans making the product.
The first step in making tile or products made from tile involves making the clay from the earth, into rectangular pieces to glaze with patterns or in solid colors.
After the tiles are made, the artisans chisel them into smaller pieces, that will be used to fit perfectly into their intricate designs. The tiles are laid upside-down and then grouted in place.
And this is what a finished design will look like. Because the tiles are grouted up side down, you don't see as much on the surface.
At Naji Arts, they have one of the best selection of tiled fountains. The quality rivals what you will see in any palace or madrasa. Maybe nicer actually!
Pottery is also an important piece of Moroccan design. The workers spin the clay into bowls, vases, and tagines, and they are baked first in the sun, and then in an oven.
Once the clay pots are glazed, they are chiseled into intricate designs.
And here you have the finished product!
Painted pottery is your less expensive option. It still looks nice, but is much less labor intensive.
Unless you are prepared to lay down 1000 dollars plus, expect to leave with some nice painted pottery, or a few separate tiles.
Enter the souk, within the Medina. Fès Medina is great for leather goods, embroidered belts, and pottery. If you're looking for good quality caftans, you might have less luck.
If you go to Fès, plan to bring back some nougat. The chef at Chez le Maréchal has one of the best selections of colorful candies, as well as pins. He will gladly put on his decorated jacket for a photo.
Chez le Maréchal has all of the nougat carefully packaged in Saran wrap. If you notice, bees in Morocco flock to anything sweet.
A main sight in Fès Medina is the leather tannery. Many of the leather shops have a terrace where they will keep pigeons and can bring visitors for a view from their roof. Beware, it doesn't smell so nice.
The tanneries have an excellent selection of leather good shops around them. Personally, I would avoid bags and jackets, and go for the colorful Moroccan slippers and poufs, instead. These are much more special!
Another great souvenir to find in Fès, is a beautiful woven scarf or striped blanket. I visited the Bougueddach Collective, a family run weaving studio that works inside their shop. The father makes more traditional textiles, while the son makes blankets that are a little wilder and mix in neon colors.
And here is what I bought! The candles were just found walking through the souk. They are intended for religious purposes, and burn with a lot of smoke. I plan on using the tiles as coasters.
Fès is a wonderful city for it's history as well as it's shopping. Fully recommended!