The Iconic Ride Private Sidecar Adventure - 3h

Summary

In the late 1960’s, Marrakech became an iconic spot for Yves Saint-Laurent and his glamorous friends. Follow their path from the multicolored medina that deeply influenced the French designer’s work, to spectacular buildings or rooms designed by Bill Willis, his close friend and famous decorator and to villas once hosting notoriously lavish parties in the palm grove.

About this activity

Tailor made
(50% driving / 50% walking)

Refreshing drinks included (Meals optional)

Dedicated private Insider

More information

Highlights

 
  • The Golden Age: Relive the 1960s “Studio 54 of Africa” through the lens of the city’s most legendary creatives.
  • YSL’s Marrakech: Discover the striking Dar el Hench and the flea markets that inspired the designer’s iconic aesthetic.
  • Exclusive Art Deco access: A rare visit to the private home of photographer Leila Alaoui, accessible only with an Insider.
  • Bill Willis’ legacy: Experience the opulent design and hedonistic charm of the iconic La Trattoria in the New Town.
  • Authentic storytelling: Deep cultural insights and personal anecdotes from your dedicated Insider.
 

Description

 

Your insider will meet you at our starting point close to Bab Doukkala, along the walls of the Medina on the new town side. Look for the brown gate, which should be open when you show up and a long ochre wall. You can enjoy a coffee or tea if you arrive early and maybe take a sneak peek in our garage.

 

Perusing a vintage map together, your Insider will familiarize you with the city’s layout, and discuss your itinerary with you, as well as any specific interests or requests. Just as each client is individual, so too is each Insider, so you can expect a highly engaging experience, personalized with memories, anecdotes and tidbits of knowledge – making every ride utterly unique, removed from well-trodden tourist trails and respectful of locals and their culture.

 

You’ll be provided with a helmet and given a safety briefing, before setting off on your sidecar adventure. Afterwards, your Insider will deliver you back to your hotel, or to a location of your choice in downtown Marrakech.

 

All that’s left to do is to choose your ride…

 

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In the 1960s, Marrakech was the Studio 54 of Africa, drawing a crowd of international creatives who found, in the bohemian color and pace of the city, a place in which they could live, dream, be inspired – and party.

 

Yves Saint-Laurent was just one such inhabitant, and his impact on the city is clearly seen in the popularity of the Majorelle Gardens, which he and his partner Pierre Bergé purchased in 1980. Yet there is so much more to the designer’s time in Marrakech: your Insider will show you the striking exterior of Dar el Hench (House of the Serpent) – the first property acquired by the couple.
Additionally, on any day of the week except Friday, you may wish to visit the colorful, chaotic Bab El Khemis flea market, which Yves Saint-Laurent frequently scoured for unusual décor items and design inspiration.

 

In the Palmeraie (oasis) you’ll visit a striking white three-storey home with Art Deco curves which, as well as being architecturally unusual in the sprawling modern day opulence of the area that’s now known as the Beverly Hills of Marrakech, is the family home of acclaimed human rights photographer, Leila Alaoui. The walls of this gracious residence display, as well as Alaoui’s work, a veritable ‘who’s who?’ of photos from past parties and casual gatherings, populated by glamorous guests including, not only Saint-Laurent, but also Pierre Bergé and Serge Lutens. The property is just as exclusive today, with access granted only on an Insiders ride.

 

During your visit, you’ll also see the influence of Bill Willis which culminates, when you journey back to the New Town, in a visit to La Trattoria. In this Italian restaurant, with its intricate tiling, golden-hour lighting, lush greenery, secretive nooks and opulent décor, Willis’ design genius takes center stage. Take the opportunity to make a dinner reservation while you’re here: not only is the Italian menu wonderfully well-executed, but sometimes, when the music and crowd are just right, you may be able to experience the hedonism of a Golden Age Marrakech for yourself

 

NB: This itinerary is subject to change due to passengers’ requests, holidays, or weather conditions.

 

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Your ride is tailor-made, off the beaten path and designed according to your level of knowledge of the area and your centers of interests, respectful of the local culture and all inclusive to offer you a memorable experience.

 

CONTACT US: If you are trying to book a last-minute ride within 24 hours or if you have any questions and just prefer talking to a human being we understand – you can email us at the Contact us link or you can call us at +212 (0)5 25 81 40 40.  We try to get back to everyone within 24 hours.

 

Ride

 

As this is a private ride, you set the pace. Your insider will accompany you based upon what you want to see and how long you want to stop. And if you see something you like along the route, just yell STOP! Your wish is our command. Expect to spend about 50% of the time driving and 50% exploring on foot.

 
  • The price is per sidecar, i.e. 2 people per vehicle.
  • Maximum 2 people per sidecar from 2 to 99 years old. Under the age of 12, each child must be accompanied by an adult.
  • For safety reasons, you are not allowed to drive our sidecars.
 

Meeting Point

 

STANDARD MEETING POINT: Your insider will meet you at our starting point close to Bab Doukkala, along the walls of the Medina on the new town side. Look for the brown gate, which should be open when you show up and a long ochre wall. 5 minutes drive from Jemaa el Fna square.

 

CUSTOM MEETING POINT: Available only for La Mamounia & Royal Mansour hotel Guests. Please enter the number of vehicles needed on the next page. This service comes at the price of 200 MAD per vehicle.

 

At the end of your ride, we will drop you off wherever you like in downtown Marrakech free of charge.

 

Languages

 

We offer rides in different languages. When you send us your booking form you can ask for an insider who speaks a language other than English (subject to availability)

 

Refund Policy

 

In case of no-show or if you cancel within 48 hours of your ride you will be responsible for the total amount of your ride.

What's included in this activity?

  • Transfers: Drop-off at your hotel or a location of your choice in downtown Marrakech.

  • Vehicle: Use of a characterful vintage sidecar (max 2 people per vehicle).

  • Guide: A knowledgeable “Insider” immersed in local culture.

  • Equipment: Helmets, waterproof gear, and fuel.

  • Entrances: All site entrance fees included.

  • Hydration: Refreshing drinks and bottled water.

 

Extras

 

Instant camera renting, tote bag… We do offer a wide array of options to make your ride truly comfortable and memorable. Discover them during your booking process.

 

Help & Questions

Visit our help page to find answers to your questions or contact us by email at in**@****************ce.com

From 509 € or 588 $ per sidecar