Petanque Social Club Marrakech: Hidden Pearl in Guéliz
That we at Barts Boekje have a soft spot for Marrakech, is no secret. Each visit only makes the urge to go back (again) stronger. The bustling streets, the souks full of colors and things you didn't need but still brought home, the lovely people, and the food. Especially the food!
Want to know the hidden gem? We have it, and it's in the Guéliz district of Marrakech. The Petanque Social Club.
In the creative Guéliz neighborhood of Marrakech lies a hidden gem, and we mean truly hidden. You might find yourself standing there, slightly bewildered, in front of a closed door… Is this it? Yes! Ringing the doorbell is the key: as if you were speak easy enter, where your reservation is your access code.
Once inside, a decor unfolds that seems straight out of a design book. The club is housed in a former pétanque hall from 1930, which has been carefully restored while preserving its historic charm. The interior has been given a touch of hipness. Terrazzo floors, velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers, a marble bar, mirrored balls, and floral benches combine to create a beautiful picture. The 70s club chairs come from Hotel La Mamounia, the iconic hotel in the same city, and tribal stools from Africa sit effortlessly alongside Art Deco tables. The result is an atmosphere that feels nostalgic, artistic, and cozy all at once.
The large garden is a green oasis with mood lighting, terraces, and an open bar with wicker lanterns. Here you'll also find the original pétanque court, where boules are ready for a game after lunch.
In that garden, we enjoyed oven-roasted cauliflower (you know the kind), barbecued meat, and a Zaalouk (a traditional Moroccan smoked eggplant salad) that was absolutely delicious. Perfect with a glass of rosé in the afternoon sun.
Is PSC typically Moroccan? No, not really. The atmosphere is more French-Mediterranean than local. When we were there, it seemed like all the guests were French. But honestly, that doesn't hurt the experience. Just don't expect a true Moroccan experience. It's cozy, hip, and delicious. Perfect for a relaxed lunch, drinks with a game of pétanque, or an evening meal followed by a nightcap.