A 3-day Riad Craft Trail: Zellige & Tadelakt in Marrakech
A tactile, design-led three-day trail through Marrakech’s medina and design districts focused on zellige (mosaic tile) and tadelakt (lime plaster). For design enthusiasts: studio visits, museum study of pattern and material, and hands-on workshops held in riads and artisan hubs. Planned for November (mild days, cool mornings) with realistic pacing and local insider tips.
Highlights
- Hands-on tadelakt workshop in a historic riad
- Zellige mosaic session with local craftsmen at the Ensemble Artisanal
- Study of colour and modernist inspiration at Musée Yves Saint Laurent & Jardin Majorelle
- Studio crawl through Sidi Ghanem design district and Galerie 127
- Close study of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship at Dar Si Saïd and Maison de la Photographie
Itinerary
Day 1
Medina foundations: material study in museums and artisan stalls; first contact with zellige patterns and tadelakt surfaces.
Dar Si Saïd — Museum of Moroccan Arts: study carved wood, plaster and tile
Begin in the medina with a focused study of traditional craft materials: carved cedar, painted zellige panels, and historic tadelakt finishes in an intimate museum setting.
Tips from local experts:
- Timing & light: Visit mid-morning to see surfaces under soft, even daylight — ideal for photographing glaze variations without harsh shadows.
- Access note: The museum sits in a historic house with uneven floors and stairs — bring stable footwear and plan for limited wheelchair access.
- Ask the guard/curator to point out repair traces on plastered walls — these visible seams are invaluable for understanding traditional tadelakt repair techniques.
Le Jardin Secret — courtyard architecture and zellij close-up
Short walk to this restored riad-garden complex to study courtyard geometry, tile banding, and tadelakt-coated niches up close.
Tips from local experts:
- Texture study: Kneel (respectfully) at lower fountain levels to examine tile joins and mortar depth — perfect for noting grout profiles and tile thickness.
- Photography: The north-facing areas in November give a cool, neutral light that renders ceramic glazes realistically — bring a polariser for reflections.
- Practical: The medina alleys are narrow; large sketchbooks are easier to manage than tripods. Carry small swatches or a notebook for rubbing textures (ask first).
Lunch — Café des Épices: rooftop views and pattern reading
A light, design-minded lunch with medina rooftop views — good time to sketch patterns and swap observations about proportions.
Tips from local experts:
- Seating note: Ask for a shaded rooftop table to study surrounding façades and rooftop tiling at eye level.
- Menu & pace: Keep lunch light (salads or mezze) to leave energy for an afternoon of hands-on visits.
- Networking: This is a good spot to send messages to local studios (many reply faster after midday) and confirm any same-day artisan visits.
Ensemble Artisanal de Marrakech — stalls, small workshops, tile vendors
Explore the state-run artisan complex where small workshops and sellers display zellige fragments, dyed pigments, and plaster samples — a pragmatic place to acquire material samples.
Tips from local experts:
- Sample collecting: Ask vendors for small offcuts or rejected tiles — these are often sold cheaply and are perfect tactile study pieces.
- Haggling: Be respectful but expect to negotiate; bring small notes and coins for quick purchases of material samples.
- Logistics: The complex can be cooler in November afternoons; keep glazed tiles in a rainproof bag if weather turns.
Riad pause — Rest, collate sketches and samples
Return to your riad to sort photos, lay out collected tile fragments, and plan questions for studio visits. Short rest to beat the late-afternoon chill.
Tips from local experts:
- Stair note: Many riads have central courtyards and stairs — if you have heavy samples, ask staff for help to move them to your room.
- Review session: Use this quiet hour to make annotated sketches of tile repeats and plaster tones while memory is fresh.
- Curing observation: If you bought small plaster samples, avoid storing them in humid bathrooms overnight — lay them flat in the riad’s heated living area.
Evening dinner — Nomad rooftop: contemporary Moroccan design and a view
Dine on a modern rooftop terrace with clear sightlines across the medina — an opportunity to compare historic rooftops with contemporary interventions.
Tips from local experts:
- Seating & light: Book a sunset slot; November sunsets are early (around 17:50) and golden light highlights tile sheen across the medina.
- Material note: Observe contemporary material choices (metal balustrades, glazed tiles) used in rooftop renovations for inspiration.
- Conversation starter: Ask staff about their favorite local craft shops — rooftop restaurants often work directly with small ceramic studios.
Day 2
Modern design and maker district: museums of colour, Majorelle’s palette, then Sidi Ghanem studio crawl and a hands-on tadelakt session in a riad.
Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech — modern colour & textile references
Study YSL’s relationship with Moroccan colour, tile patterns and the use of strong fields of colour — essential reference for contemporary designers.
Tips from local experts:
- Lighting & palette: The museum lighting is curated; photograph fabrics and key objects with a neutral white balance to capture true pigment.
- Timed entry: Book the earliest slot possible in November to avoid crowds and to see the gardens with morning light for colour cross-references.
- Contextual note: While YSL is modernist in approach, focus on material translations — note how tiles and plaster inform garment textures.
Jardin Majorelle — chromatic study in plant and tile
Walk the adjacent Majorelle gardens to study Yves Saint Laurent’s cobalt blue and the garden’s interplay with soil, ceramics and tiled surfaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Colour swatches: Bring a small swatch book or phone app to capture ‘Majorelle blue’ under morning light for accurate colour notes.
- Crowd tip: Even in November it draws visitors—stick to side paths to examine urns, tiled floors, and painted surfaces closely.
- Weather note: Mornings are cool; the shaded garden is ideal for studying glaze under diffuse light without glare.
Lunch — Le Jardin: a restaurant/gallery to compare contemporary locale uses
A relaxed lunch inside a restored riad with contemporary design interventions — good for discussing material translations and sourcing.
Tips from local experts:
- Seats & study: Request a table near the interior courtyard to study plaster finishes and painted motifs used in the restaurant's restoration.
- Pacing: Keep lunch measured so you have energy for the studio crawl this afternoon; discuss supply-chain questions with staff if possible.
- Sample sourcing: Ask staff where they sourced particular tiles or fabrics — hospitality spaces often work with local ateliers and can share contacts.
Sidi Ghanem — design district studio crawl (showrooms & small workshops)
Transfer to Sidi Ghanem to visit contemporary showrooms and makers: modern ceramics, furniture studios and Galerie 127’s contemporary exhibitions.
Tips from local experts:
- Studio appointments: Contact key studios in the morning (Galerie 127 and nearby showrooms) — many open late and appreciate brief email confirmations.
- Transport: Use a short taxi from the medina (15–25 min). In November the drive is pleasant; bring a scarf for cool breezes between studios.
- Note-taking: Carry a portable scale/ruler and small camera to log proportions and joinery details in studios (ask before photographing interiors).
Galerie 127 — contemporary art that crosses into craft
Visit this influential contemporary gallery to see how modern Moroccan artists deploy traditional motifs and materials into new forms.
Tips from local experts:
- Curatorial insight: Ask the gallery attendant for any past shows that used zellige or lime-based works — galleries often archive installation photos useful for study.
- Accessibility: Gallery spaces may be tight; schedule a quieter late-afternoon slot for close examination of works.
- Buying & leads: Galleries frequently collaborate with makers — ask for contacts of ceramicists or tadelakt artists who worked on exhibited pieces.
Hands-on tadelakt workshop — supervised session at a riad
A private, practical tadelakt session in a riad setting where you learn lime preparation, application, burnishing and natural soap polishing under a local craftsman.
Tips from local experts:
- Clothing & kit: Wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dusty; bring closed shoes and thin nitrile gloves if you have sensitive skin.
- Curing & timeline: November’s milder temperatures are perfect for learning tadelakt — avoid wetting the surface too much; ask the master about local curing times.
- Riad logistics: Many riads have narrow stairs—if you have mobility issues, request a ground-floor space for the workshop when booking.
Day 3
Deep practical craft day: zellige mosaic making, meeting cooperative artisans, photography study, and a closing design dinner.
Zellige mosaic workshop — hands-on session at the Ensemble Artisanal area
A focused morning workshop learning the geometric layout, cutting, and setting of traditional zellige tiles — take home a small assembled sample panel.
Tips from local experts:
- Tool orientation: Expect to use hand tools for cutting — bring protective eyewear if you prefer, and ask for demonstrations before trying cuts yourself.
- Sample panel: Request a small framed sample (20x20 cm) as a take-home; it’s a practical souvenir and a tactile study piece.
- Timing & humidity: November is ideal for setting grout — cooler mornings mean grout sets slowly, giving you time to refine joints; plan travel for drying time if flying soon after.
Lunch — Le Foundouk: rooftop reflections on pattern and form
A relaxed, design-rich lunch in a converted house — use the time to compare profiles of tile joints and plaster finishes recorded during the morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Rooftop views: Book a table with a courtyard view to compare restoration choices on nearby facades and roofs.
- Sample review: Lay out your morning’s sample panel on the table to discuss finishing techniques with peers or hosts.
- Seasonal menu: November menus are heavier; pick lighter mezzes to keep energy for afternoon museum visits.
Dar Bellarj Foundation — small exhibitions and artisan-led programs
Visit this cultural foundation to view temporary shows, meet curators and discover initiatives that link traditional craft with contemporary design projects.
Tips from local experts:
- Programming: Ask in advance about any afternoon talks or demonstrations — foundations often run artisan meetups ideal for making professional contacts.
- Access & workshops: Spaces can be on multiple levels with narrow stairs; request assistance if you have mobility concerns.
- Research tip: Collect printed materials or flyers — these often list names of collaborating ateliers and contact details not widely published online.
Maison de la Photographie — archival study of pattern, portrait and material
A late-afternoon visit to study photographic archives that document interiors, artisans and the evolution of Moroccan decorative language — useful for research and mood-boarding.
Tips from local experts:
- Composition study: Use the archive prints to study how craftsmen and interiors were framed historically—note angles useful for photographing tile installations.
- Lighting: The dimmer interior light in November is ideal for viewing framed prints; use a handheld loupe or a camera with good low-light capability for details.
- Contact: Curators may provide references to families of craftsmen across generations — ask for names to follow up studio visits.
Closing dinner — La Famille: a creative, low-key setting to collate findings
Finish with an intimate, creative dinner where you share sketches, photos, and samples. Use the evening to swap contacts and make a short action plan for follow-up research or commissions.
Tips from local experts:
- Curate the conversation: Reserve the table in advance and set aside a small area to spread out sketches and small samples for group discussion.
- Local contacts: Ask restaurant staff for recommendations of local designers or small galleries that may accept commissions.
- Packing tip: If you have tile or plaster samples, wrap them in cloth and carry them in hand luggage — November flights can still have variable hold conditions.
