3 Best Places to Shop in Fez and the Middle Atlas, Morocco

At Le Jardin des Biehn’s bijoux boutique, contemporary Fassi designs—including handcrafted leather bags from Italian designer Alfred Berlin that use leather from the 11th-century tanneries, and handwoven blankets from Artisan Project, founded by Palestinian American Nina Mohammad-Galbert, who works with local weavers—sit side by side with vintage boucherouite rag rugs and classic caftans.

The city’s first concept store, in the heart of the medina, stocks the work of predominantly Moroccan or Moroccan-based designers who are breathing fresh life into ancient crafts. Expect to find stylish bags and accessories from Les Maures Collection, shoes from CEO, T-shirts from Rock da Kasbah, housewares from Ytto, and Km 13’s purses and jewelry made from recycled tires.  Fixed prices take the hassle out of haggling, too.

The first store from the award-winning Anou Cooperative showcases fair-trade shopping at its finest. Owned and managed by a group of more than 600 artisans from around Morocco, the cooperative was set up to cut out the middleman and give 100% of the price tag back to the makers. You can meet the artisans, try a workshop, or just shop till you drop for handcrafted rugs, jewelry, leather bags, ceramics, and more; then enjoy a mint tea on the rooftop terrace.