What I experience every time I take a couple on a sidecar ride

When a couple asks me for "something truly different"

I've been showing visitors around Marrakech for ten years, and this question comes up again and again during romantic weekends: "Céline, what can we do that's really different?" My answer, ever since I discovered this ride, never changes: climb into a vintage sidecar, let yourself be driven, and watch the city go by together.

The Balade Privée en Side-Car à Marrakech is one of those rare experiences that combines the unexpected, the intimate and the authentic. I've recommended it to dozens of couples, and I've never had a single negative piece of feedback. Not once.

A vintage sidecar all to yourselves

What I love straight away about this ride is its completely private nature. The vintage sidecar — which seats just two people — is entirely yours. No group, no sharing. Just the two of you, helmets on (provided for adults and children), and a local driver who knows Marrakech down to its smallest corners.

The meeting point is near Bab Doukkala — a starting point that already sets the tone for the adventure. And from the very first seconds in the sidecar, something happens: you look at each other, you smile, and you know this moment is going to stay with you.

Full equipment is included — helmets, waterproof gear if needed, fuel — along with refreshing drinks and water throughout the ride. You are also welcome to bring your own snacks or drinks, which is perfectly allowed.

The city the way I love it: up close, at a human pace

What sets the sidecar apart from a simple guided walk or a carriage ride is this unique blend of mobility and slowness. You glide through the city's arteries, stop, then set off again. You see things you'd never notice any other way. The ochre facades, the blue doors, the children running by, the artisans at work — all of it takes on another dimension when you discover it sitting side by side in such a charming vehicle.

Expect around 70% of the time in the sidecar and 30% on foot, depending on the option you choose. These on-foot stops are, in my view, some of the best moments: the driver accompanies you, explains things, and introduces you to places you'd never have found on your own.

The ride is available in French, English, Spanish and Arabic — just specify your preference at the time of booking, subject to availability.

To make your weekend complete

If you're coming for a romantic weekend, I have a few ideas to pair with this ride. Before or after, a relaxing moment at La Sultana Spa Marrakech is a wonderful way to extend the softness of the day. And if you want to push the adventure further, a Vol en Montgolfière à Marrakech at sunrise is another magnificent way to see the city — from the air this time.

For the evening, the Dar Soukkar Dîner spectacle dans un Palais historique offers a truly royal end to the day: music, fine cuisine and a palatial setting. A programme I often put together for couples who want to experience Marrakech to the fullest in two days.

What you need to know before booking

A few practical details so everything goes smoothly. The ride is reserved for people aged 18 and over. For safety reasons, it is not possible to drive the sidecar yourself — the professional driver takes the wheel, and honestly, it's better that way: you get to fully enjoy the scenery without worrying about anything else.

As for booking, no deposit is required at the time of reservation. Once your slot is confirmed, the provider sends you a payment link to finalise the booking. Entry fees to visited sites are included depending on the option chosen. Meals, tips and personal expenses remain your responsibility.

In the event of heavy rain, cancellation is possible up to 2 hours before departure with a full refund. A cancellation insurance option is also available at the time of booking, so you can set off with complete peace of mind.

Marrakech is best experienced when you take the time to let it carry you along. And in a vintage sidecar, together, that's exactly what happens.