Car hire Fez

Introduction

Fez is a former capital and one of the four 'imperial cities' of Morocco (the others are Marrakech, Rabat and Meknès located just west of Fez). The city consists of three parts: the big and old medina (Fez el Bali), the somewhat newer Fez Jdid and the new part of town, called Ville Nouvelle, constructed by the French. Fez el Bali is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Population

The city has over 1 million inhabitants which makes it Morocco's third city.

Location

Fez is located in the north of Morocco on the northern flanks of the Middle Atlas.

Economy

Fez is known from way back as a typical commercial town. This is best seen at the ever busy medina where all sorts of things are being traded. The goods are transported by mule, because there is no other way in the narrow, winding streets. Fez is also a center of leather-working (the tanneries in the medina are a tourist attraction). More and more tourists discover Fez; the city's medina is bigger and more impressive than the medina of Marrakech.

Airports

Fez-Saïss Airport is situated fifteen kilometers south of the city. The airport is easily reachable by rental car: from the Ville Nouvelle you follow the N8 (Avenue My Abdallah). The route to the airport is clearly signposted.

Public Transport

There is no motorized traffic in the old medina. The narrow streets only allow pedestrians and mules. City busses run in the new city and up to the city wall of Fez al Bali.

Traffic and Parking

With the exception of the old medina you can very well visit Fez and the surroundings by rental car. In some streets in the Ville Nouvelle you have to pay for street parking. There are also many parking lots (especially near the city wall of Fez el Bali) where you can park your rental car for a few Dirhams.

Hotels

Fez has a large supply of accommodation. In the old town many traditional houses have been transformed into hotels. These so-called 'riads' are very attractive. In the Ville Nouvelle you find both cheap guesthouses and modern hotels up to international standards. In summer months it's recommended to book your hotel room well in advance.

External Sources

For more information about Fez we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Fez
• Official website Fez (French)
• Tourist Information Fez (French)