Encounter Fez with Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet's Fez Encounter 1 is hot off the press and is already proving a hit with visitors, discovered Lumen, who caught up with Steph and Tim Newton at Cafe Clock.

The Newtons of Ipswich arrived in Morocco well equipped with a copy of Fez Encounter 1, just launched at the end of March. They'd come all the way from their home town by train, an interesting (and environmentally friendly) way to travel. Staying at Dar el Hana, they had already visited Seffarine Square, the Nejjarine Museum and the snail stall on the corner of Derb el Horra on their first full day in Fez. Tim and Steph loved the pocket-size book, saying that the maps are excellent, especially the pull-out one that's a convenient size. They found the ideas for itineraries very helpful and manageable. And of course, they'd been following The View from Fez before their holiday.

The Fez Encounter guide covers four neighbourhoods in the city: the Medina, the Andalous Quarter, Fes el-Jdid (incluiding the Mellah, the former Jewish Quarter), and the Ville Nouvelle. Each section has its own map, and entries cover where to eat, drink, shop, sight-see and play. A larger pull-out map can be found at the back of the book that's the perfect size for unfolding in the medina. There's an interview with a local personality in each of the neighbourhood sections and great photos. Excursions are covered to Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. It's written by Virginia Maxwell and Fez resident, Helen Ranger. Copies can be ordered from Fez Riads or shop online at shop@lonelyplanet.com. The book costs £6.99.


Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news