What the locals of Marrakech do when they see our 2CV go by

When the Red City reveals itself at the pace of a French icon

The first time I accompanied a group on a 2CV ride through Marrakech, I knew this outing was going to become one of my favourite recommendations. There is something irresistible about the combination: the rounded, legendary bodywork of the Deudeuche, the ochre lanes of the Médina, and the smile that passers-by simply cannot hold back when they see you go by. It is not just a ride — it is a moment of suspended grace right at the heart of the city.

The Balade Privative en 2CV à Marrakech is, in my view, one of the most elegant and most human ways to soak up the atmosphere of Marrakech. You take your time. You stop. You look. And the city lets itself be tamed in a way it rarely does on foot or in a classic carriage.

What you see from the back seat

The route winds through the iconic neighbourhoods of Marrakech. You follow the pisé ramparts tinged orange at sunset, you approach Jemaa el-Fna as it begins to come alive, you glide gently towards the Kasbah quarter and its quiet lanes. Sometimes you veer towards the Palmeraie to breathe in a touch of greenery.

What moves me every single time is the reaction of the locals. Children sometimes run a few steps alongside the car, shopkeepers look up from their stalls and smile, women in colourful dress turn to watch. The 2CV creates a spontaneous connection with the city that very few other experiences can match.

A 100% private experience, designed for you

What I particularly love about this formula is its entirely private nature. No group to wait for, no imposed timetable: the car and its driver-guide are yours alone. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or with close friends, the ride adapts to your pace and your wishes.

The driver-guide knows Marrakech down to its smallest details. He will share anecdotes that even the most seasoned guides do not always tell. It is that intimacy — that three-way conversation between you, him and the city — that makes the experience so memorable.

And if you want to stop to photograph a zellige detail, a carved door or a patch of turquoise sky, you only have to ask. The 2CV parks easily.

The best times to head out

I have a clear preference for two time slots. Early in the morning, when the Médina is just waking up and the light is golden and soft, the ride has something almost intimate about it — the lanes are not yet busy, and you feel as though you are discovering a secret Marrakech. Late in the afternoon, when the low sun sets the ramparts ablaze, the colours are breathtaking.

Avoid the middle of the day in summer: the heat makes the ride less comfortable, even if the convertible 2CV lets in a little air. Spring and autumn remain the ideal seasons to enjoy the experience to the full.

What I suggest pairing with this ride

To turn your day into a truly exceptional programme, I love combining the 2CV ride with other complementary experiences. If you enjoy exploring on foot, the Visite Interactive de la Médina de Marrakech is a perfect follow-on — you go deeper into the details and the stories behind each monument.

For those who love a more immersive exploration, a visit to the Visite Privée des Souks de Marrakech after the ride is ideal: you have already spotted the neighbourhoods from the car, and you then rediscover them on foot from a completely different perspective.

And if you want to end the day on a high, the Street Food Marrakech by Night awaits you for a festive culinary immersion on Jemaa el-Fna as night falls.

My advice before you book

Bring a camera or make sure your smartphone is fully charged — you will want to photograph absolutely everything. Dress lightly in summer, and a little more warmly in winter evenings, as the open roof lets the cool air in. Above all, let yourself be surprised: the best memories from these rides always grow from an unexpected detail, a smile exchanged, a lane you would never have found on your own.

Marrakech is a city that deserves to be given time and gentleness. The 2CV, with its charming look and its unhurried pace, is in my view one of the most beautiful gifts you can give yourself here.