"A dove poised on the shoulder of Africa" - Tangier has long been coveted for its strategic position. Since Tingis was founded in the IVth century BC, Carthaginians, Romans, Phoenicians, Vandals, Arabs, Spaniards, Portuguese and the English have jealously fought for the right to control it. No African city is closer to Europe, no other Orient is more dearly loved by European or American artists - painters, musicians or authors. Delacroix, Saint-Saïns, Matisse, Van Dongen, Tenessee Williams, Jean Genet, Joseph Kessel, William Burroughs and Paul Bowles, to name but a few, have all lived in Tangier - and been captivated by its spell.

Follow in their footsteps, and enter Tangier in style. By the Bab Erraha gate, breaching the ramparts and guiding you towards a breathtaking view over the city and the bay. Listen to the sounds of the port and the kasbah coming up from below. Let yourself follow your whims and your inspiration as you set out to explore Tangier. This is the Grand Socco (the great souk), so dear to Joseph Kessel, dominated by the minaret in multicoloured faience which rises above the Sidi Bou Abid mosque (1917). Where the peasants in red and white striped "foutas", wearing their broad hats decorated with pom-poms, weave their way among the stalls and shops, alive with the bright colours of the fruit, pottery and cloth on display.

PEACEFUL BATTLES AT THE FORBES MUSEUM
At the Forbes museum, 115 000 lead soldiers re-enact the major battles of history without flinching: Waterloo, the Somme and the battle of the Three Kings. This is a battle museum that is permeated with peace. The gardens are magnificent and the Hafa café is only 100 metres away.

TEA AT THE LITTLE SOCCO
To follow in the footsteps of Paul Bowles, Jean Genet or Pasolini, what could be better than a mint tea in the cafés of the Little Socco? Some might reply: "an absinthe tea" (chiba).

TWO SUNS OVER TANGIER
At Tangier, there are two promontories projecting into the waters of the two seas. Cape Malabata looks towards the rising sun. To be visited in the glow of the pre-dawn when sky and sea melt together in one blue luminescence. Cape Spartel looks towards the Atlantic and the setting sun. To be seen at dusk, when the horizon is pink and the vegetation is bathed in golden light.

THE OCEAN GOD
In the baths at Lixus, 60m2 of superb mosaics show the austere and majestic features of Neptune, surrounded by shellfish motifs. Grandiose!

AUGUST IN ASILAH

Every summer, during the cultural festival in August, the town becomes an enormous gallery. Artists exhibit their work in the superb setting of the Pasha Raïssouni palace, in the streets, or even paint directly on the walls of the town.