Ensemble Artisanal — Attraction in Marrakesh Prefecture

It's a must see when visiting Marrakech but can get a little bit overcrowded at busy times and this makes it difficult to navigate the narrow lanes with Souks on either side the entire way round. For females especially it can be a little intimidating as the locals think nothing of making comments, wolf whistling and generally being quite full-on. There is also a manic feel to when the locals are trying to sell to you and get you in to their shops, so its important to employ some selective hearing when walking around as if you don't you will find yourself talking to everyone and feeling obliged to go in to every one!. We first went to Marrakech and visited the Artistic Ensemble about 4-5 years ago and I must say in that short time there seems to be a huge change in the cleanliness and general attitudes of the locals, so whilst its quite over-bearing it is no where near what it was like just a few years ago and a simple "No thanks" usually suffices and you usually get a fairly pleasant response. The people who walk around purporting to be Guides can no longer do that and get away with it as much, official guides have badges around their necks and are easily identifiable, that doesn't mean there are no unofficial guides, there are still many, they are not as nice if you don't want to use their services and they can pester and hound people quite badly, I found that being quite stern early on with them seems to deter them best. I would not advise using a guide at all unless you need assistance and unless you want to see the tannery and other places like that, we did it the first time round and paid the guy about £20 (200-250 dhs) for about 4-5 hours of guidance which I thought was fair. Having done so though, I feel we probably could have done the same without the guide but equally I did not mind aiding the local economy and a local resident/worker! The guided tour side is purely personal preference I find but I would definitely recommend using an official one now that they have...

A great place to come if you want to see a vast range of goods from different vendors and companies. The vendors are pleasant and respectful, not following you around, hassling and pressuring for a sale like in the souks. The goods are generally fixed price but there can be some negotiation, particularly when buying a few items together.

What I did find completely unbelievable, given that all the shops are cash only, is the complete lack of an ATM or bank facility within the shopping complex. In fact the nearest ATM is about a 5 to 10 minute walk away. That is irritating enough, however it is pouring with rain today and we got absolutely soaked when going off to find a cash machine. This really doesn’t make sense when this is a complex set up to sell products to tourists!

Another annoyance was the 5 Dh cost to use the bathroom on the upper floor. A couple of dirhams is fine, but 5 was a bit rude when I have visited the Ensemble Artisanal to spend money. There is however a free toilet if you use the cafe on the ground floor.

I was impressed with the cafe, the prices were reasonable and the quality was good. We both had crepes, a vegetarian one and a meat one (which was delicious). Well worth a visit while contemplating what to buy next!

Cheaper prices may be reached in the souks but it takes determination, effort and often a sense of humour! I feel I’ve been ripped off by souk traders before, but I don’t feel this way after shopping at Ensemble Artisanal. I would recommend a visit, particularly if haggling isn’t one of your strengths (or like myself, you’re just...

For those thinking twice about visiting, don’t……this is the gem of Marrakech. After a challenging day in the Souks and main square the day before, we weren’t inclined to return to do some much needed shopping for gifts but thankfully someone recommended this place as a ‘calm and pleasant oasis’ and it absolutely, stunningly delivered. This calm oasis of shopping caters for every possible keepsake and gift need, all done with zero pressure to buy and fixed (and reasonable) prices throughout. The owners are part of a Government backed Cooperative, and it shows in their behaviour - they are passionate about their handmade goods, and super respectful if you choose not to buy. There’s so much choice and we loaded up with authentic and beautiful handmade gifts - not a cheap Chinese mass produced item in sight. The cafe is amazing too! So much so that the owner stopped my wife half way upstairs to the public loo to tell her “you are my guest, you do not pay” and led her to the cafe bathroom. Take it from me, if you aren’t in to haggling or (like my daughter) get spooked by the crowds and the incessant scooters plowing through the the Souk, then this place is for you. But more than that, it’s the BEST reason to head into the centre of the Medina. It’s been the highlight of our trip. Top tip - the public park opposite is lovely too. Well worth the 2 mins diversion…..we spent...