Terrasse de Tannerie

Terrasse de Tannerie is a leather shop with a terrace overlooking the Chouara tannery, at 10 Hay Lablida Chouara in Fès el-Bali, the old medina of Fès in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region. It is one of several leather shops that surround the historic tannery, where hides are soaked and dyed by hand in stone vats, and it offers a view of this process from above. The shop sells leatherware in camel, cow and goat leather, including babouches (slippers), poufs, belts, jackets, wallets and bags. Unlike generic souvenir shopping, the goods come from the surrounding Fassi leather trade, and the visit combines viewing with buying. Quality in the tannery district varies from thick, well-stitched leather to thinner, lower-cost items, so buyers usually inspect the stitching, lining and dye smell, and compare camel, cow and goat leather, which differ in texture and price. Prices are negotiable and first quotes are often much higher than the figure eventually agreed. Bargaining is conducted politely, and walking away is a common technique. Payment is in Moroccan dirhams cash, and some shops in the district also take cards; tax refunds do not usually apply. Staff typically guide visitors to the terrace, often offering mint to mask the smell of the vats, before showing the goods. The quarter is crowded with groups in the morning, and the tannery is most active in daylight. Food options on site are limited, but cafés and restaurants can be found in the nearby lanes of Fès el-Bali. Must-visit corners include the terrace over the dye vats, the babouche displays and the jacket showroom.