Marrakech City Town Guide Marrakech first seduces its visitors with a heady mix comprising a couple of touches of ochre and three spiced notes mingled with a whiff of orange flower. Nestling at the foot of the Atlas mountains, the imperial city has lost none of its tradition. Renowned for its handicrafts and palaces as well as for the pleasant strolls it affords under the shade of its palm trees, the cultural capital of Morocco is a kingdom of colours and smells where those who love all things sensual are treated in a manner worthy of a sultan. Five ideas for discovering another side to the city -  Linger a while watching the colourful scenes unfolding on Djema el Fna square - dazzling oriental theatre, simply unmissable. -  Take a carriage ride through the recesses of the palm groves: 20 km of signed paths unveil a sequence of orchards and gardens under the date trees, leaving you with precious memories to be savoured. -  Stroll through the Majorelle gardens, a paradise of colour, restored by Yves Saint-Laurent - an oasis of cool during the heat of the afternoon. -  Visit one of the fascinating temporary exhibitions at the Museum of Marrakech, opened in 1997 inside the ornate Mnebhi palace. -  By way of the Ourika valley, sample the outdoor air of the Atlas mountains in Oukaïmeden (2,650 m), where you can ski in the winter or view the rock drawings in the summer. Time difference Marrakech time is the same as GMT. To call Marrakech Dial the international code followed by 212 for Morroco, then 44 for Marrakech and the 6 digits of the person you are calling. Climate Average temperatures by season: - Spring: 19° C - Summer: 28.° C - Autumn: 21° C - Winter: 12° C Holidays - 1 January: New Year - 11 January: Anniversary of Independence - 3 March: National Day - 1 May: Labour Day - 9 July: Youth Day - 30 July: Royal Day - 14 August: Revolution Day - 20 August: Anniversary of the Revolution - 6 November: Anniversary of the Green March - 18 November: Independence Day. Islamic feasts and holidays are very important in Morocco, but the exact dates vary according to Islam's lunar calendar. As a rule, they fall 10 or 11 days earlier each year than the year before. Getting around The colourful beauty of the souks and narrow alleyways of the Medina can only be discovered on foot. Outside of the battlements, romantic tourists will be delighted to enjoy a quiet ride through the city in a horse and carriage. The city can also be visited by taxi. Marrakech Tourism Office Marrakech Tourism Office: Place Abdel Moumen Ben Ali Marrakech, Marrocco Tel: (international n° +212) 44 43 61 31 Marrakech on the Web http://www.tourism-in-morocco.com See our Cultural calendar Back