Offbeat's Adventures: Rabat and Salé Part 2

Marina Bouregreg Salé was a beautiful marina. Set in an inlet up river, it was free from waves and swell which meant it was really comfortable. Add in the views over to Rabat and the quirky little cafes, it had everything we could want.

There was one cafe that we went to most days for coffee and WiFi. Towards the end of our stay they would welcome us with a smile and knew our order off by heart. It's little things like this that made it so special.

Marina Bouregreg Salé

View from our favourite cafe

All the girls loved this cafe!

No sightseeing trip would be complete without a visit to the Cathedral. Built in the 1930s during French occupation, St Peter's Cathedral is of art deco design and is the seat of the Archdiocese of Rabat.

The most striking aspect of the Cathedral was not the art deco stained glass, but the Stations of the Cross, made from mosaic tiles.

St Peter's Cathedral

There are numerous parks and gardens in Rabat, but after the Andalucian Gardens, this is a close second. Jardin d'Essais (otherwise known as the Botanical Gardens) were created between 1914 and 1919 under a joint initiative of the sultan Moulay Hafid and the French Protectorate.

Designed by Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier, the gardens span an area of approximately 17 hectares and contains an estimated 600+ species of plants, including rare varieties of tropical, subtropical and succulents and an arboretum.

Villa des Arts is a small contemporary art gallery set in a 1929 art deco villa. Beautifully restored, it now holds contemporary art and sculpture exhibitions with a focus on Moroccan artists.

In addition to the art, the decoration within the villa was stunning and the gardens were a delight to wander through whilst admiring the villa.

Villa des Arts de Rabat

Beautifully restored ceiling

My last day in Rabat and I wanted to spend it just wandering the streets, strolling along the prom and savouring every moment of our Moroccan adventure.

Whilst I may have physically left Rabat, a little piece of me has been left behind and I know that one day I shall return, either on Offbeat or by other means!