Tonight, the Gazelles are enjoying their last evening in Morocco: a moment of camaraderie on the Essaouira seafront before heading home.
They have traded sand between their teeth for bubbles on the palate. Under the big top, the Gazelles and their guests raise their glasses of Paul Poirrier champagne to celebrate the closing evening of this 35th edition. “You are women who dare, who reveal yourselves, who commit. You have moved forward despite doubts, forged your path even when fear whispered to you to stop. You carry the voice of silent, invisible women. You are forever Gazelles” , says Marina Serra-Vrillacq, the general manager of Maïenga.
This adventure leaves a lasting mark on all the women who experienced it. Marjorie of Team 199 has lived in Essaouira for several years and yet… "I feel like I've delved into the very heart of Morocco, really gone beneath the surface. 1 kilometers in ten days means taking the time to appreciate, to discover the landscapes, the most remote corners... It's a real privilege."
More prizes for the Gazelles
On stage, the patron of the 2025 edition, Luana Belmondo, presented the Gazelles Solidaires prize, which recognizes one of the teams participating in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc who are supporting a charity. And surprisingly, this year, two teams tied for first place! Team 100 for SOS Préma , which improves care for premature babies, and Team 106 for Femmes en défense, which provides self-defense classes, will therefore share the sum of 10 euros.
Next comes the Beauty Car challenge prize, held in partnership with Cawé, creator of the official Gazelle vest. The company's director, Marc Ackermann, presents Team 163 with the sum of 8 euros, a nice boost to help with their future participation in the rally.
Cœur de Gazelles: helping communities
Tonight, the rally also pays tribute to Cœur de Gazelles, the medical caravan that accompanies the rally. "It doesn't take much to carry out actions on the sidelines of events," reminds Marina. For 25 years, this multidisciplinary service has provided free health care to local populations at locations near the rally, four this year. Patients receive follow-up care for purchasing eyeglasses, dermatological and gynecological consultations, minor surgeries and more. "We treat approximately 190 patients per day and this year we welcomed our 100,000th patient."Christelle, the organization's general manager, is delighted, noting that 30% of the patients seen during this 35th edition had never seen a doctor before – from infants to the elderly. The organization, which operates thanks to donations from businesses and individuals, is always seeking funding. "You are our ambassadors of the desert, don't forget!"
Letting their hair down!
With the thank-yous over, it's time to party! The rally is celebrating its anniversary, and the participants and their families are letting loose on the dance floor, to better reconnect. "This is our outlet, the way we get back on track," says Valérie of Team 147 . "Did you have a good rally? Let's dance!" For these final moments in Morocco, choreographer Jean-Marc Généreux, accompanied by the dancers from Dancing with the Stars, warms up the dance floor before DJ Kams takes over. No more engines, tonight the Gazelles are heating up the dance floor. Gazelles, yes, until the end of the night!
Thank you to our partners without whom this Rally would not be possible: Aïcha, Morocco, MDJS, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Afriquia, Ferrero, OCP, Cawe, Bosch, La Méridionale, 24H le Mans, Texaco, Sidi Ali, GSF, Royal Air Maroc, Dacia, Château Roslane, Chérie FM, 2M.
