Sale Shopping Tips by JLBG

Vilarmar

When you come from Rabat, drive across the Bou Regreg oued and take the road to Meknès, you will first pass the Dawliz complex (hotel, cinema), a children attraction park and a big one level building. It is the articraft center El-Oulja. On the building, you will read ''Vilarmar'' for ''village des arts marocains'' (village of moroccan arts). You should come to Vilarmar. It is worth the visit even if you are not going to buy anything. We are still in Salé, but very different from the medina.

What to buy: All handicrafts but mainly potteries.

Directions: Road from Rabat to Salé airport and Meknès

Theme: Local Craft

Vilarmar: Rattan

In Vilarmar, there is only craftsman that makes with rattan and makes all sorts of rattan articraft : lamps, chairs, baskets, dogs (or cats) house, etc... I do not remember he was there last time I came, last year.

What to buy: Rattan articraft

Theme: Local Craft

Vilarmar: Brass tray

The brass trays are especially wonderful. We brought this one home.

What I wrote about the thickness of the metal is especially important for the trays. Most of what you find in the souk for tourists is very thin and will twist easily. If you want to hang it on your wall, this is OK. If you want to use it, for example to bring drinks, you must choose one that is strong and will not bend when it holds a few glasses of drink.

What to buy: Brass trays

Directions: Road to Meknès

Theme: Local Craft

Vilarmar: Brass articraft

You will find every possible brass articraft : candle sticks, flowerpots, ashtrays, etc… They are of various quality and accordingly of various prices. When brass is thin, the object is only for the show. If you plan to use it really, you should choose a thicker and stronger metal.

What to buy: Brass articrafts

Theme: Local Craft

Vilarmar: Carpet shop

Unlike in the souk of Fès or Marrakech, nobody will bother you and try to convince you to buy. You will buy if you want, when you want ! This is why it is a real pleasure to come here and I hope that more visitors to Rabat will now come here.

What to buy: Carpet

Directions: Road to Meknès

Theme: Local Craft

Vilarmar: Pottery on display

Still in the patio, pottery again is shown. This large pottery is not for sale, just for the pleasure of the eyes ! Anyway, even if that was a gift, you would have trouble bringing back home with you, unless you are a truck driver !

What to buy: Potteries

Theme: Local Craft

Vilarmar: The patio

If you are tired of visits and of walking, you can have a nice rest in the patio. It is refreshing and peaceful ! A table and seats are waiting for you in the shade while a small stream of water is flowing gently !

Theme: Local Craft

Vilarmar: Traditional fountain

In front of the entrance is a traditional fountain. This is a fine example of Moroccan craftwork. You will often find this type of fountain in every medina : Rabat, Fès, Marrakech, etc… Some of these fountains have been built recently, others can be very ancient. There are several of them around Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca.

Theme: Local Craft

Vilarmar: Inside the main buiding of the complex

The main building is built around a pleasant patio, which brings a cool environment in Summer. Even if you do not want to buy anything, the visit of the complex is very pleasant and informative about what articraft can be found in Morocco.

Theme: Local Craft

Vilarmar: Towards the main buiding of the complex

At one of the two entrances in the building, we are welcomed by the statue of an African servant holding a candle (actually, an electric bulb !). Rich Moroccan used to have African servants. Having African servants was a mark of wealth.

What to buy: Any articraft

Theme: Local Craft