Casablanca: Gastronomy and traditions on the menu for a trip to Casablanca

The country's economic and financial capital, Casablanca is a stopover between two historic cities: Rabat and Marrakech. Although the Phoenicians occupied the area as early as the 6th century BC, there are very few remains. With its many shops, the little medina has retained its Muslim character and is well worth a visit. Once outside the ramparts, discover the modern city, in stark contrast to the colonial architecture of the 1930s.

Towards the corniche stands the "highest religious building in the world": the Hassan II mosque, inaugurated in 1993 and designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau. Built on the Atlantic Ocean, the monument rises some ten metres above the sea. Its 200 m minaret is equipped with a laser. It indicates the direction of Mecca. Despite the richness of the materials used, the decoration remains uncluttered: 10,000 m² of zelliges, 67,000 m² of plaster and 53,000 m² of wood. The building can hold up to 150,000 people. Don't miss it, it's open to all (as long as you follow certain rules).

Completed in 1993, the Hassan II mosque is the largest in North Africa. Spread over nine hectares and built partly on the sea, the immense building has a prayer room, a Koranic school, a library and a museum. Also worth a visit is the Sacré-Coeur church, built in the 1930s at the request of the local Catholic community.

Although imbued with the Gothic aesthetic of European religious buildings, it also reflects the Art Deco style that predominated in Casablanca's architecture. Bordered by the Arab League Park, it occasionally hosts exhibitions and cultural events.

Stop off at the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum, named after the Moroccan businessman who worked tirelessly to promote knowledge of the country's cultural heritage. Located in the historic heart of Casablanca, this magnificent 1940s mansion houses the personal collections of Abderrahman Slaoui, who was a lover of the arts. From sumptuous jewellery to nineteenth-century Bohemian crystal boxes and old posters, the museum's aisles are a treasure trove of North African art.

When you take the time to discover it, Casablanca is an utterly captivating city. In the central market district, the Art Deco style of the old buildings gives an idea of what old Casablanca was like. The market is also well worth a visit.

In the evening, go out for dinner in the city centre, where you'll find some very good restaurants; the corniche is the ideal place to stroll around after your meal and sip a cup of tea, while enjoying the mild evenings. On the islet opposite is the El Hank lighthouse and its small fishing village.

Finally, lovers of second-hand goods will be delighted by wandering through the alleys of the Souk Ould Mina. This huge flea market in the Hay Hassani district is packed with treasures, including furniture and Art Deco items.

What to bring back

Morocco is the ideal country in which to buy quality jewellery and leather goods at very reasonable prices. In the souks, you'll find splendid tunics embroidered with gold thread or sequins and babouches in every colour. Moroccan handicrafts are very varied, and you'll be able to take home some very pretty narghiles, hand-decorated pottery and tea glasses. Just before you leave, pop into the market to buy some fresh pastries, which you can enjoy on your return home.

What to eat?

Moroccan cuisine is excellent, with a variety of subtle and varied dishes. Couscous is of course the typical Moroccan dish, but it is served on Fridays, the Holy Day. You can also try beef, chicken or lamb tagines. Pastilla can be eaten sweet, savoury or both. Brick or chorba are mouth-watering starters. Pastries will delight all gourmets. And to finish off a meal, drink a mint tea.