Moroccan Tannery

“Visiting Chouara Tanneries in Fes was an unforgettable cultural highlight! The moment I stepped in, I was amazed by the traditional craftsmanship and the colorful dye pits the vibrant reds, yellows, and blues create a stunning visual display. Watching the artisans carefully work with leather using time-honored techniques was fascinating and gave me a deep appreciation for their skill. The earthy scent is strong, but that’s all part of the authentic experience. I enjoyed learning about the entire process from start to finish, and the guides were friendly and informative. A must-visit spot for anyone exploring the historic medina of Fes and wanting to see real Moroccan heritage in action”

“One of the most unique places I’ve ever seen. The tannery looks like a giant colorful mosaic from above, and it’s amazing to watch a centuries-old leather-making process that hasn’t really changed. Be prepared for the smell — it’s very strong, and at the entrance people will offer you mint to help with it. Just know that the visit itself is free, but those same people may follow you around and later ask for about 50 dirhams as a “tip.” It feels more like a tourist scam, so it’s better to politely decline or agree on something in advance. Definitely worth seeing for the experience, just stay aware.”

“An unforgettable experience! The Fez tannery is a living tradition where centuries-old techniques are still practiced. Watching artisans work with natural dyes in the colorful stone vats is both fascinating and humbling. The vibrant view from the terraces is unlike anything else, though the strong smell is part of the authenticity. A must-visit to truly feel the heritage and craftsmanship of Morocco.”

“Really interesting place to visit and see how traditional leather is made. The view from the rooftop is amazing, colorful vats and a glimpse of centuries-old techniques still in use today. The smell is strong at first, but they usually give you mint to help. Staff explain the process well, and you can watch everything up close. Finished with lots of leather shops nearby selling bags, wallets, and jackets. A very authentic experience and worth a stop if you’re exploring the medina.”

“Beware of this place—especially if you’re visiting as part of a tour like ClickExcursion. The environment is extremely filthy, with strong, unpleasant odors and visibly poor sanitation. While this may be part of traditional tanning methods, it still makes for a very uncomfortable experience. The biggest issue, however, is the aggressive and dishonest sales approach. Prices are not displayed on items, which allows salesmen to quote whatever price they feel like. There is zero transparency, and tourists are clearly being targeted. Product quality is also very poor—far below what you’d expect given the prices being asked. When my wife pointed this out to a fellow traveler from our group, one of the salesmen responded by insulting her, which was completely unacceptable. Additionally, the environmental impact is concerning. Waste and chemicals from the tannery appear to be discharged into nearby canals, contributing to pollution. Overall, this felt like a tourist trap with unethical practices. I strongly recommend avoiding purchases here, and being cautious if you choose to visit.”

“It was within my Fez guided tour which included this stop to see the tanning process that has been here for centuries. You see the tanneries from the top floor of one of leather shops. So, the visit offers you large variety of local leather products if you would like to buy. Generally, it's not that interesting unless you have plenty of time in Fez.”