Do you know the Gueliz District? It was built to expand the city of Marrakech in 1912 by Marshal Lyautey. Today, it is the most expensive district of Marrakech. It harmoniously blends Moroccan tradition and Western style.
Guéliz is renowned for its elegant boutiques and party atmosphere. It attracts wealthy locals and many tourists.
Formerly called the “French Quarter”, Guéliz shines with its Art Deco architecture buildings. It is rare to see a place so historic and at the same time so contemporary. The atmosphere is unique, very different from the medina of Marrakech.
There you will find open-air cafes and chic hotels. The avenues are full of life, with traffic jams and cheerful horns, especially in the sun.
Introduction to Guéliz, the modern district of Marrakech
Guéliz is far from the old medina and shines with its energy. This *modern district* was created thanks to town planning plans from the time of the protectorate. It was mainly aimed at housing Europeans. It is recognized by its large avenues, its European architecture, and its very thoughtful organization.
Guéliz is very different with its large streets, compared to the small, lively streets of the medina. It came into existence with new roads and a plan to become modern quickly. In the past, industrial production in Morocco was mainly carried out in Casablanca. This pushed many people to migrate, particularly to Marrakech.
Exploring Guéliz means finding cool places like cafes and fashion stores. Despite its start with Europeans, it has diversified thanks to new inhabitants. Its evolution is due to ingenious urban plans to cope with more people.
Formerly, the region was much more populated, then the population declined significantly. There was a time when capitalism and agricultural changes disrupted life. This pushed many people to settle in Guéliz, making it even more lively.
Walking around Guéliz means seeing a balance between the past and the future. There are wide boulevards, modern buildings and vibrant energy. This district offers another side of Marrakech, much more contemporary than the medina.
History of the Guéliz district
The Guéliz district of Marrakech has a rich history since 1912. It was the time of the French protectorate. At that time, it was planned meticulously. This included the height of the buildings and the colors used.
Guéliz under the French protectorate
Guéliz was a space for French and European families during the protectorate. In 1919, there were only 870 people living there. The architecture was mostly villas. They combined elegance and practicality. This greatly influenced the face of the neighborhood.
Architectural evolution
Guéliz changed with the times, notably by accepting styles like Art Deco. These buildings are now iconic. They offer a special atmosphere in Guéliz. Even though they are imbued with modernity, they continue to stand out.
Contemporary transformation
Since the 2000s, Guéliz has changed a lot. There are more buildings. In 2014, the neighborhood was home to 188,333 people. There are also more green spaces and cultural places. Today, Guéliz is a district that is developing. It attracts locals and visitors with its multiple attractions.
Top Attractions in Gueliz
Guéliz, a modern district of Marrakech, brings together fascinating sites. Every year, thousands of people come here. The Majorelle Garden , for example, welcomes 1.5 million visitors annually. That’s around 4,500 people per day. With its unique plants and peaceful ambiance, this garden is a must-stop for anyone exploring Guéliz in Marrakech.
The Parc el Harti is a remarkable place in the Guéliz district tourism . It is a large green space where you can rest in the shade. There are also fountains for cooling off and quiet paths for walking. While strolling through Guéliz, you can admire the magnificent buildings from the Art Deco era. You can also see large, lively avenues, such as Avenue Mohammed V. It was Avenue Charles Mangin before becoming the main artery of the district in 1957.
If you like art, Guéliz has a lot to offer. It’s a place where art galleries proliferate, with names like Loft Art Gallery , L’Blassa and Galerie 127 . These galleries make Guéliz a real cultural hub in Marrakech. In addition to galleries, Guéliz offers bars, restaurants and franchises known throughout the world. This makes the experience in Guéliz enriching and varied.
Gastronomy a real treat in Guéliz. A variety of cuisines can be found here, from authentic Moroccan to French, Italian, Thai, Japanese and Lebanese dishes. Shopping fans will love Carré Eden . This is where you can find famous brands like Zara, Adidas and Etam. Shopping in Guéliz is a memorable experience for everyone.
And finally, the Marrakech railway station is an icon of the neighborhood. It is a beautiful example of architecture that combines modernity and tradition. This station makes it easy to access various corners of Morocco. This adds even more to the magic of Guéliz attractions .
Museums and art galleries in Gueliz
Guéliz is at the heart of the artistic scene in Marrakech. There are many museums and galleries there. It is the ideal place to discover the contemporary art of Marrakech.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Near the Majorelle Gardens is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. This museum honors the legacy of the famous fashion designer. It exhibits his iconic creations and other works of art.
Contemporary art galleries
Guéliz is also known for its galleries. The Loft Art Gallery is an example of modern architecture. It shows the artistic innovation of Marrakech. At the Comptoir des Mines gallery, you can see the works of recognized Moroccan artists.
The L’Blassa gallery offers a unique approach to contemporary art. It offers works by Arab artists to a wide audience.
MACMA: Marrakech Museum of Art and Culture
The MACMA compares European orientalist art to Moroccan creation. This museum offers an artistic journey through the ages. We discover the evolution of art in the region.
Here are some examples of art galleries in Guéliz:
| Gallery | Description |
|---|---|
| Loft Art Gallery | Mixture of Art Deco and industrial design, exhibitions every two months. |
| Mines Counter | 1500 m², exhibitions of emerging and established Moroccan artists. |
| L’Blassa Gallery | Focus on artists from the Arab world, limited edition posters and photographs. |
| Gallery 127 | Dedicated to contemporary photography from Morocco and the Maghreb. |
Majorelle Garden: A must-see in Guéliz
The Majorelle Garden is a famous site in Marrakech. It is located in the Guéliz district. Initially, in the 1920s, it was a creation of Jacques Majorelle. He planted more than 300 varieties of plants. Now it is very famous for its bright colors and pleasant scents.
Then, in 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought it. This acquisition transformed the garden. The cubist villa and gardens have been refurbished. Since then, it has been a renovated heritage place, offering a quiet nook in the middle of city life. The doors have been open to the public since the late 1940s.
In the Majorelle Garden , there is also a Berber museum. It highlights Berber art and culture. People discover historically and culturally valuable pieces there. Walking between cacti and rare plants.
- Location: Guéliz district, accessible from rue Saint Laurent
- Tickets: It is recommended to reserve online at least 24 hours in advance
- Fauna and Flora: A variety of plants and flowers as well as diverse fauna
This garden is therefore essential to visit. It combines beauty, history and a pleasant experience for the senses. It’s a must-see in Marrakech.
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Creation | 1920s by Jacques Majorelle |
| Reprise | 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé |
| Surface | 1 hectare |
| Plant Species | More than 300 |
| Access | Guéliz district, rue Saint Laurent |
Shopping & Malls in Guéliz
Guéliz is the heart of shopping in Marrakech. Its large avenues date back more than a century ago. This area is full of shopping centers and boutiques. There are brands from all over the world and local creations. These places combine modernity and Moroccan charm, attracting many shopping fans.
Le Carré Eden
With world-renowned fashion stores, Carré Eden is a must for Guéliz shopping . There you can discover a wide variety of clothing, accessories and electronics. H&M and Carrefour Food Hall are present, offering a premium shopping experience.
International brand stores
Guéliz shopping centers are full of international brands. For example, La Plaza is home to Zara and Etam. The Menara Mall offers a variety of shops and a restaurant floor with panoramic views. This completes a shopping experience with a gastronomic offer.
So, for fashion, electronic gadgets, or leather items, Guéliz shopping has everything you need. Combining tradition and modernity, and with brands from around the world, Guéliz is the unmissable destination for shopping in Marrakech.
Transport and accessibility of Guéliz
Guéliz has excellent modern transportation. This makes the neighborhood very accessible for everyone. There are taxis and airport shuttles to make getting around easier.
Marrakech railway station
The Marrakech train station, in Guéliz, is impressive. Its design combines modernity and tradition. It is a central point for train travel to major cities like Casablanca and Fez.
Accessibility to Guéliz is improving, despite some challenges. For example, some streets and sidewalks are difficult to access for people with reduced mobility. But the area around the neighborhood is easier to navigate in a wheelchair.
Even if public transport is not yet fully adapted, there are changes. For example, the airport offers accessible shuttles which are very useful. Taxi and TPMR services in Marrakech are well rated for their accessibility, with 3.5 out of 5.
Conclusion
The Guéliz district in Marrakech mixes modernity and tradition. Created at the beginning of the 20th century, during the French protectorate, Guéliz has changed a lot. Now it is an important district of Marrakech, attracting people from all over.
Guéliz is known for its chic stores, jewelry stores, and art galleries. It’s perfect for shopping or cultural enrichment. Famous places like the Majorelle Garden make it very lively and pleasant, ideal for living or visiting.
It’s the perfect place to go out in the evening, admire magnificent buildings, or just relax. Guéliz is a symbol of the modernity of Marrakech. It grows but does not lose its old charm, offering a unique experience to everyone.