

A huge, hulking presence in downtown Casablanca, it's more like a 'block' than a building. The architect, Paul Tournon, carries on his lifelong love affair with reinforced concrete here to inspiring effect. It's free to enter (when it's open), but you have to part with a few dirhams to see upstairs.
The ground floor is amazing enough, though. If you'd ever wondered what a cathedral looked like with all the ornamentation taken out, this is the place for you. In a city short on sights (discounting Hassan II Mosque), it's well worth a detour.
Google map: bit.ly/b1DPeu
Got to Casablanca by train - first class from Marrakesh cost a couple of quid more than second and is well worth it. Stayed at Hotel Galia, great spacious rooms, clean, cheap and the hotel manager is lovely and really tries to help you. Computer with internet free to use downstairs too. Went to Rick's, food fantastic though not the cheapest! Hassan II Mosque very very impressive!
Le Pilotis is a bar/restaurant on the Corniche with wonderful views of the sea. Le Corniche is a beach promenade 5km west of Casablanca.
Le Pilotis was a complete contrast to what we saw earlier in the day in the medina of Casablanca and would not look out of place in Marbella. It is where the 'beautiful people' of Casablanca come yet to our UK pockets was not that expensive. It's fascinating to watch these people and there's wine and mediterranean food as well as some good music.
Plenty of seafood restaurants out here in the Corniche but one place we'd recommend is Le Pilotis.
Boulevard de la Corniche, Casablanca
[5km west of the town]. Grab a red petit taxi which will set you back about 50 dirhams (c. £3.50).
www.bestrestaurantsmaroc.com/en//restaurant-maroc/detail/le-pilotis-et-le-lounge.html
The Cathedrale du Sacre Coeur on Boulevard Rachidi is an example of an art deco church. Designed in the 1930s, it is all the more remarkable when you consider that Casablanca is in an Islamic country.
Unfortunately when we went there the church looked like it had been long closed. On Avenue Hassan II there is an Art Deco post office where even the letterboxes are tiled.
Cathedral - on Boulevard Rachidi off Ave Hassan II
Post Office - Avenue Hassan II
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Your tips about Casablanca
Most popular tips about Casablanca
Posted by Fidge
Posted by Fidge
Posted by Fidge
Posted by Ieuan
Posted by Ieuan
Posted by Ieuan
Posted by Fidge
Posted by clareclark
Posted by edmundoconnor