Café de France Marrakech: A Timeless Terrace Overlooking Jemaa el-Fna ☕🌇
No visit to Marrakech is complete without a stop at the Café de France, a cultural and historical landmark perched on the edge of the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square. More than just a place to have coffee, Café de France offers panoramic views, people-watching par excellence, and a front-row seat to the soul of Marrakech.
Whether you're a first-time traveler, solo explorer, photography lover, or simply looking to sip mint tea while the sun sets over the Koutoubia Mosque, Café de France is a must-visit.
Let’s dive into what makes this iconic café so special — from its location and pricing to its atmosphere, food, and travel tips.
📍 Location: In the Heart of Marrakech’s Historic Pulse
Café de France enjoys one of the most strategic and symbolic locations in the entire city: it sits directly on Jemaa el-Fna, the city’s UNESCO-listed square filled with storytellers, snake charmers, food stalls, and daily life.
📌 Address:
Café de France
Place Jemaa el-Fna
Marrakech 40000, Morocco
📞 +212 524 442 319
🚶 How to Get There: From almost anywhere in the medina, follow the crowds or ask locals for “Café de France.” It’s one of the most well-known meeting points in Marrakech.
🏛️ A Café Steeped in History
Founded in 1912, Café de France has witnessed more than a century of Moroccan history. It’s one of the oldest and most iconic cafés in Marrakech, often featured in guidebooks, films, and countless Instagram photos.
Once a gathering spot for colonial elites and traveling intellectuals, it has evolved into a favorite among locals, tourists, and artists alike.
🕰️ Fun Fact: Some say George Orwell and Winston Churchill stopped here on their Moroccan travels — though the legends are hard to verify!
🏙️ A Rooftop with a Legendary View
What truly makes Café de France unique is its multi-level terrace. Spread over three floors, each level offers a different perspective of Jemaa el-Fna — but the top terrace is the crowning jewel.
From there, you can admire:
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The daily spectacle of Jemaa el-Fna: performers, musicians, henna artists, and snake charmers
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The golden silhouette of the Koutoubia Mosque at sunset
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The snowcapped Atlas Mountains in the distance (on a clear day)
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The flow of the crowd — a living theater beneath your feet
📸 Instagram Tip: Visit about 45 minutes before sunset to grab a front-row table on the top terrace. The lighting is spectacular for photos.
☕ Food and Drink: Simple, Classic Moroccan Flavors
Café de France is not a fine-dining destination, but it offers classic Moroccan and café-style dishes — reliable, accessible, and served with that unbeatable view.
🧾 Menu Highlights:
Drinks:
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Traditional Moroccan mint tea – 20–25 MAD
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Freshly squeezed orange juice – 20 MAD
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Nespresso-style coffee – 15–20 MAD
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Soft drinks – 15 MAD
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Bottled water – 10 MAD
Snacks & Light Bites:
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Moroccan pastries (chebakia, ghriba, sellou) – 15–25 MAD
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Toasted sandwiches with cheese or turkey – 30–45 MAD
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French fries – 25 MAD
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Ice cream and desserts – 25–40 MAD
Meals:
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Chicken or lamb tagine – 70–90 MAD
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Grilled brochettes with rice or fries – 75–100 MAD
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Couscous (served Fridays) – 80 MAD
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Omelets and Moroccan salads – 40–60 MAD
🍽️ Note: The food is simple and traditional — the focus is on the location and view, not gourmet cuisine. Prices are affordable by Western standards.
💰 Price Guide: Budget-Friendly With a View
Café de France is known for being affordable, especially considering its location.
| Item | Price (MAD) |
|---|---|
| Mint tea or coffee | 15 – 25 MAD |
| Fresh juice | 20 MAD |
| Sandwich or omelet | 30 – 45 MAD |
| Full tagine or couscous | 70 – 100 MAD |
| Dessert or pastry | 15 – 40 MAD |
💳 Cash is preferred. Some servers may accept card payments, but it’s best to carry cash (dirhams) when visiting.
🎶 Ambiance: Authentic and Ever-Changing
What makes Café de France special is not just the food or the drinks — it’s the ever-evolving human scene below. The square changes constantly throughout the day:
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Morning: calm, soft light, fresh start
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Afternoon: buzzing with tour groups and performers
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Sunset: golden light, rising music, and an emotional energy
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Night: live bands, glowing lanterns, sizzling food stalls, and a magical atmosphere
The ambiance is timeless, relaxed, and authentic — don’t expect luxury, but do expect character.
💼 Services & Facilities
Despite being a classic local café, Café de France offers a few convenient services:
✅ What to Expect:
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Multi-level seating: ground floor + 2 terraces
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Table service available throughout
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Rooftop view is first-come, first-served
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Clean restrooms (ask staff for access)
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Wi-Fi: sometimes available, but not guaranteed
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No loud music — just the natural soundtrack of the medina
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to midnight
🧭 Visitor Tips & Advice
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🪑 Arrive early for sunset views — tables fill up by 6:00 PM, especially in spring and fall
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🕯️ Best lighting for photos: 5:30–6:45 PM (seasonal)
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🧒 Children are welcome — a great place to give kids a break and watch the action
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🪙 Tipping: 5–10 MAD is appreciated for table service
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🧼 Bring tissues or sanitizer — bathrooms are basic
🛑 Avoid following unofficial “guides” or touts trying to show you the café. Go straight to the main entrance on the square.
📸 Café de France on Instagram: The View That Went Viral
The rooftop of Café de France is one of the most-photographed spots in Marrakech. A snapshot of mint tea overlooking the bustling square at sunset is practically a travel rite of passage.
📱 Instagram: Search for hashtags like #cafedefrancemarrakech or #jemaaelfna to see examples.
🧤 Influencer Tip: Go early and bring a scarf or sunglasses — the sun can be intense on the rooftop!
🌍 Reviews & Global Reputation
Café de France is famous around the world. It’s been featured in:
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Lonely Planet
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The Guardian
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Le Routard
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GenerationVoyages.fr
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MarrakechinMorocco.com
⭐ Review Summary:
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TripAdvisor: 4.0 / 5 (3,000+ reviews)
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Google Reviews: 4.2 / 5 (8,000+ reviews)
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Known for: sunsets, views, mint tea, people-watching
💬 “Not the fanciest food, but hands down the best place to watch Marrakech go by. Grab a tea, sit back, and let the square perform for you.” – Emma L., UK (TripAdvisor)
📌 Why Visit Café de France?
✅ One of the best sunset views in Marrakech
✅ Historical café with local charm and international fame
✅ Ideal for tea, juice, light meals, or people-watching
✅ Affordable prices and authentic medina experience
✅ Iconic meeting spot and easy to find
📅 Practical Info & Contact
📍 Location: Directly on Jemaa el-Fna Square
🕐 Hours: 8:00 AM – Midnight
📞 Phone: +212 524 442 319
🚖 Closest drop-off: Bab Ftouh or Koutoubia Mosque (3–5 min walk)
🔚 Final Thoughts: Café de France, a Must-See Institution in Marrakech
Café de France is not about luxury or gourmet dining — it's about being present in the moment, sipping tea above the action, and feeling the pulse of Marrakech flow around you.
For solo travelers, couples, families, and photographers, this iconic café offers a view and atmosphere that no other place in the medina can replicate. Come for the tea, stay for the sunset, and leave with a memory that will last long after your trip ends.