LE FIGARO. – Why did you change the country again?
It was all a matter of chance. Gabriel’s father bought this riad in 2002 with the intention of spending part of his retirement in Morocco. But life decided otherwise and he finally trusted a manager to run it as a guest house. It didn’t work, the riad collapsed and he wanted to sell it. For our part, we have always dreamed of opening a hotel. The desire to leave France and make a life elsewhere, preferably in Asia, was very strong. So it wasn’t exactly the original plan, but the occasion was very good. We had a discussion in the spring of 2015, then quickly quit our jobs in food and communications. Six months later we moved to Marrakesh.
What attracts you to Morocco?
We had already been there three times for tourism purposes, but had never thought of settling down. However, emigration is very easy there. On the one hand, for the geographical proximity to France, on the other hand, for the understanding of the language. Marrakesh is full of paradoxes. life is intense, there is traffic, pollution, it is full… And at the same time, the people are so hospitable that there is great sweetness in everyday exchanges. We formed a new family, first with immigrants, then in the second phase with Moroccans. Today the city has become our village and this is our home. Now we have a little girl, Billie, and our cat, Bowie, the house mascot.
What is Riad Yasmin’s French touch?
He is very reserved on purpose. Obviously we’re French so there are some influences here and there, but we wanted to integrate as quickly as possible without introducing any cultural differences. We learned the first words of Arabic at the vegetable market, we know all the merchants in the neighborhood and we live at the same pace as them. The decoration of our riad is designed by local artisans, the plants that make up our little jungle are typical, and the bottom of our pool is decorated with Berber signs. Even in the kitchen, we didn’t want to impose our culture. we serve Moroccan specialties for everyone. What’s more, our hosts are mostly English-speaking, whether in the riad or in Petit Yasmine, our new three-bedroom house next door to its big brother. The adventure has just begun.
Riad Yasmin. From 130 euros per night for 2 people including breakfast.
Source: Le Figaro
