The Tanneurs district, an emblematic place in Marrakech


The history of the district


The creation of the tanneries of Marrakech coincides with that of the city, it goes back to the XVIIth century.

The manufacturing processes have not changed much since then, and will surprise you in many ways.

There is the smell, of course, whose reputation is well established, but also an ancestral know-how that calls upon a clever natural chemistry, and the use of ingredients that are, to say the least, unexpected.

 

An ancestral know-how


The skins are first depilated with lime to remove all traces of hair.

They then macerate for a long time in large terracotta vats - or in concrete for the most recent ones. These open-air vats are filled with water, pigeon droppings and salt.

This shock treatment gives the skins suppleness, resistance and, above all, rot-proofing.

The skins are then cleaned with wheat bran and dyed. This stage is still done in a very traditional way.

The tanners use poppy to dye the skins red, henna for orange, indigo or cobalt stone for blue, etc.

Once dyed, the drying process can begin. The skins are spread out on large flat stones in the sun, then beaten to soften them, washed again and scraped to remove the last remaining waste and make them perfectly smooth.

 

Off to the souks


The leather obtained is finally sent to the souks to be transformed by the craftsmen into babouches, belts, poufs and many other leather articles.

This leatherworking know-how is world-famous, as leather goods take their name from our country, Morocco.

Read our article on the souks of Marrakech

 

End your day with a romantic dinner in Marrakech



After a day of sightseeing, head to the souks of the capital with your other half.

Head to Le Foundouk, a restaurant-bar not to be missed in Marrakech: you will find a very romantic atmosphere.

Take a seat at one of our tables on one of the three levels of the restaurant: leather armchairs, comfortable benches, cedar ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers, candlelit tables... you will be charmed by the cosy, authentic and intimate atmosphere of the place.

If you wish to offer an unforgettable evening, book your table on the rooftop of the restaurant.

Voted one of the most beautiful rooftop terraces in the world, the rooftop of Foundouk in Marrakech is a magical place: plants, candles, view of the city's Medina and the Atlas Mountains... The setting will leave you with wonderful memories of your stay in Marrakech.

Discover the restaurant menu


Don't wait any longer and book your table at Le Foundouk rooftop restaurant in Marrakech now!