Marrakech is in a very good position among the favourite destinations of French tourists. But not only that. The ochre city is also one of the favourite cities of the French who decide to settle abroad. And this is not new.
The French presence in Marrakech has its origins in the strong diplomatic and economic relations that the two countries have maintained since the protectorate. Relationships that survived after Independence.
On March 30, 1912, it was in Fes that the Franco-Moroccan treaty was concluded between the French Republic and the then Sultan of Morocco, Moulay abd el hafid. This treaty establishes the Protectorate by which France exercises a form of guardianship on Moroccan territory. This regime will end in 1955. But from this historical proximity, close and friendly relations remain between the two now sovereign countries, particularly in the fields of trade and tourism. It is particularly significant in this respect that King Mohammed VI chose France as his first state visit upon his accession to the throne. Even today, France remains Morocco's leading trading partner.
"The relations between France and Morocco are unique and exceptional. These are intertwined stories, a shared language, closely intertwined populations and intense economic exchanges," said the French Ambassador to Morocco, Jean-François Girault, during the presentation of the 2017 France-Morocco Cultural Season.
The city's climate, characterized by a large number of sunny days, its geographical proximity to France, its strong economic growth and its gentle lifestyle have naturally made Marrakech a privileged destination for French tourists and expatriates.
In recent years, Marrakech has experienced a new wave of installations. In the Medina, many riads have been acquired by French people. Renovated and transformed into a hotel, these traditional houses, which have become real jewels of architecture and decoration, have taken an active part in the fantastic tourist development of the city.
On a daily basis, Marrakech has adapted to meet the needs of this new population. Administrative, social and educational structures, as well as leisure and accommodation facilities, have come closer to European standards, while retaining an exoticism that is so attractive to an ever-growing European community.
For the French alone, the number of expatriates living in Marrakech is estimated at around 20,000.
Recent opinion surveys have shown that the French are very satisfied with the quality of life but also with the level of socio-cultural integration they find in Marrakech when they settle there. The same studies indicate that profiles related to expatriation are changing. After the retirees who were previously in the majority, we are now witnessing the arrival of an active population, composed of young couples and young investors.
This is how a virtuous circle has developed between an increasingly welcoming city and a French population that finds here the change of scenery and happiness that it has come to seek, while bringing skills and know-how that contribute to the growth and attractiveness of the tourist capital of Morocco.
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