Une fois passée la porte de bab Guissa, on entre dans la vielle ville de Fès et sa médina où se dresse l'Hôtel Palais Jamai. Une fois dépassé l'édifice, commence à se déployer un écheveau de petites ruelles où un grand sens de l'orientation est requis. On arrive bientôt dans une rue sans issue aux murs décrépis et l'on se dit que tout le chemin est à refaire mais une porte en bois s'ouvre sur un étroit couloir au bout duquel une inscription orne le mur "Riad Dar Anebar". Vous entrez alors dans la demeure chargée d'histoire de la famille Guessous, devant vous s'ouvre un patio de grandes dimensions bordé de quatre façades de deux étages, le bruit de la rue s'est totalement estompé et vous sentez a l'évidence qu'un riad chargé d'un long passé vous entoure.Cela commence par la vie d une famille qui se heurte à une grande histoire.C'est en effet en 1936 que les arabes sont chassés d'Espagne et la famille Guessous part de Melia a Fes. Ils décident alors de faire construire cette maison.
This is what I can truly call a Dar or a Riad after staying at different Riads in Fez and Marrakech. First of all the owner inherited this property from his grand father so it is like his own house (but he doesn't live there) and he doesn't treat it as a business to rip off tourists. From the time we arrived in Fez, they were at the nearest gate of the Medina to pick us up and our luggage (and if you ever have to find a riad on your own inside a medina of Fez or Marrakech you will promise never to stay at a Riad again). So anyway, we got VIP treatment right from the moment we arrived in Fez.
We spent our first four nights in Morocco in Fez at the wonderful Dar Anebar. Their porters met us at the medina entrance by the Palais Jamai and led us into the maze that is the Medina. A few turns and there we were at a wood door. Had no idea what to expect. Welcomed by the owner/host Ahmed. We entered into an oasis of beauty and calm. A 3 story riad with a large courtyard featuring a small bubbling fountain and orange trees. Subtle yet rich decor and a sense of peace.
There are several high class restaurants in Fez with correspondingly high prices. Others boast good food but the decor is so "Arabian Nights" that it feels like you are dining in a museum or movie set. Thankfully, The View from Fez can now suggest a new place to eat that combines great ambiance with reasonably priced delicious food. The restaurant is Dar Anebar and it is certainly worth a visit
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