Crafts, Hotels

Learn Traditional Pottery in Marrakech

February 9, 2011 by

Summer in Marrakech has long been top of my travel list – exploring the labyrinth of the Medina, shopping at the souks, eating authentic tagines and sipping mint tea at sundown.

If you’ve always marvelled at the ornate patterns on Moroccan architecture and ceramics, Marrakech riad Dar Les Cigognes is running a three-day Traditional Pottery Course in the centre of Marrakech in June.

The workshop will be led by Julio Miranda Thiel, a hugely successful potter originally from Chile and a long time resident of Marrakech.

Over the three days the group (limited to ten people) will take part in:

– Two half days in a local master potters studio – trying out local techniques and learning about the art of Moroccan pottery
– Visit to a number of galleries and stalls selling the best and most interesting pottery in Marrakech.
– Dinner hosted by Julio Miranda Thiel with talk on the artistic scene in Marrakech.
– Final night rooftop party with local dancers, flamethrowers, snake charmers and magicians.

Opposite the Royal Palace, Dar Les Cigognes was one of the first riad hotels to open in Marrakech and was originally a wealthy merchant’s house, dating back to the 16th century.

Dar Les Cigognes is now a stylish bolthole with individually designed rooms reflecting the culture and history of Morocco.

In between crafting pots and exploring the Medina, you can relax in the hammam, try a massage using Dar Les Cigognes’ own blended Argan oil or swim in the rooftop pool.

Rates from €570 (£480 approx) for three nights from 13th-16th June on a B&B basis at Dar Les Cigognes including 2 half days pottery course, gallery visits, hosted dinner and final night party.

For more information, visit: www.lescigognes.com

Have you been to the souks and Medina of Marrakech?  Any travel tips? Comment below…

7 comments

7 Comments

  • Reply The Luxe Life February 9, 2011 at 5:02 pm

    I went to Marrakech last year and this has made me want to go back! Would love to do this trip…looks fab! x

    • Reply cheriecity February 9, 2011 at 5:18 pm

      I’m hoping to go this summer, it’s been one of my dreams to go to Morocco. I’ll have to ask you for some tips if I go x

  • Reply Chocoralie February 9, 2011 at 11:22 pm

    Favourite French destination – put hammam in your program!

  • Reply Krista February 11, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    I stayed here a few years ago and it was lovely. Since I have stayed elsewhere in Morocco and always think how fab Dar Les Cigognes was. The view from the terrace was amazing and the food was really yummy.

    • Reply cheriecity February 12, 2011 at 9:03 pm

      I’ve always dreamed of going to Morocco. If I get there this summer, I’ll try and stay there. I saw on the website that they have a cookery book too.

  • Reply fuyume February 15, 2011 at 10:22 pm

    This place looks divine. I wish I could go bt Im already going to Tokyo and NYC this year 🙂

    • Reply cheriecity February 15, 2011 at 10:34 pm

      Wow, you lucky girl! Tokyo is top of my wishlist and I love NYC. You’ll have to blog all about your travels 🙂

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