Essaouira Sees Surge in French Retirees Seeking Affordable Coastal Living

Essaouira continues to attract elderly tourists who come to enjoy its beaches and relaxing atmosphere. In search of well-being and a peaceful retirement, these seniors, mostly of French origin, are rushing to the city of the trade winds to escape the cold and enjoy some sunbathing. Retirees love to spend pleasant moments in the windy city, known for its cultural and artistic wealth. They quickly fall under the charm of this city where the cost of living is very affordable.

Bernard and Sylvie, a French retired couple who have been living in Essaouira for two years, are enjoying the city. "After many years of work, we decided to come and settle in Essaouira to enjoy the calm, the natural beauty and the serene atmosphere of this coastal city," they told MAP. The former history teacher and the former municipal employee are seduced by the souks of the medina and the beaches, as well as the Berber carpets, a specialty of the city.

While Sylvie is fascinated by the ancestral art of weaving and nourishes her curiosity by participating in training workshops within the local women’s cooperatives, Bernard, for his part, roams the alleys of the medina to soak up the history of the city, told by the inhabitants, and discover the wonders of Essaouira. The septuagenarian couple is particularly touched by the generosity and hospitality of the inhabitants with whom they have had several warm exchanges and shared meals.