Essaouira

The former Mogador

While most of the medina and its fortifications date back to the eighteenth century, the history of Essaouira back to Phoenician times.

Built on a rocky peninsula with advanced access to the port and a beautiful beach, ocher walls now enclose a medina incomparable charm that comes including pedestrian and colorful streets, white houses with blue shutters bathed in a special atmosphere where craft and art have a special place.

Essaouira has a mild climate where the trade winds blow, tempering the oppressive heat of summer all year making the souirie coast a paradise for surfers, windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts.

Essaouira life is punctuated by cultural or religious events, including the Gnaoua World Music Festival in June and the pilgrimage of the brotherhood Regraga in April.

discover Essaouira

It's a long stroll that invites the Medina of Essaouira, near lively streets lead some souks, countless art galleries and antique shops, as well as systems based sqala kasbah artisans and cooperatives argan or cedar, regional specialties.

Essaouira has a vast historical heritage well represented in the museum Sidi Mohammed ben Abdellah. The constant activity of the port, long walks on the beach and water sports here many, add to Essaouira some interest.

Music and culture are celebrated at annual events and during the year, some nightspots offering live or musical evenings.

As in all coastal towns, the fish is featured in most of the restaurants and enjoyed just landed boats in the harbor and the shops at the fish market. Whether the popular little bar or cozy cafe, Essaouira has something for all tastes and all thirsts.

To explore the countryside around Essaouira, several agencies offer equestrian circuit of one or more days, while on the beach, walks proposed horse or camel takes place in the day.

14 km south of Essaouira by the coastal road to Agadir, the village of Diabat made ​​famous by Jimi Hendrix's visit in the early 1970s coexists today with the project of tourist complex "Essaouira-Mogador" including marina, classified hotels, restaurants and golf. Continuing on a few kilometers, the beach of Sidi Kaouki welcomes surfers from all over during the summer.

The panoramic view from the jbel Amsittene of the surrounding area offers insights into the nearby mountains covered cedar and argan trees, the ocean, the beach and the village Tafalda adjoining fishermen

To the north by the coastal road to Safi, the marabout of Moulay-Bouzerktoun 20 km gives a strong beach popular with windsurfers, but is also a step in the famous traditional moussem Regraga. Every Sunday morning is the big market of camels Had-Draa just 25 km from the city.

Ouarzazate

Holly Ouarzazate

The original Berber village of the seventeenth century, perched on a small hill at 1105 m above sea level, the village of Taourirt kasbah and its most famous are the geographical birthplace of the current Ouarzazate.

The heart of the city, it goes back to the Protectorate, extends from the bus station to the kasbah of Taourirt and revolves along the boulevard Mohammed V Moulay Rachid and where there are the most services. Overlooking the city, near the historical center, Avenue Mansour Eddahbi hosts some major hotels.

The cinema occupies a position in its own right in the economic landscape of Ouarzazate and its region. Just outside the city, on the road to Marrakech, the Atlas Corporation Studios Cla and open their doors to visitors, thus discover some decorations that were used for filming Asterix: Mission Cleopatra, the Jewel of the Nile, the hill to the eyes Ben Hur, Kingdom of Heaven ...

city ​​tour

If Ouarzazate does not have a vast historical heritage and few museums, but this city deserves more than just the role of city stage is usually attributed to him.

The authenticity of the souks, the dummy sets its film studios, walks in the lush Palmeraie to wander through the maze of rooms in the Kasbah of Taourirt, Ouarzazate is no shortage of places to discover.

The palm of Ouarzazate extends from Al Mansour lake to the edge studios across the city. It is a patchwork of small agricultural plots sinuate trails that invite us to lovely walks.

Growing, supply leisure Ouarzazate strives to meet the needs of city residents and tourists. If finding a restaurant in Ouarzazate for his taste is quite simple, the nightlife lovers are worse off with the exception of a few nightclubs and hotels.

Around Ouarzazate

Mainly focused on the discovery of the surrounding nature, leisure activities are often distinguished excursions and bivouacs. Lovers lazing poolside also easily find their happiness.

Ideally located at the meeting of the valleys of Wadi Ouarzazate and Dades which form the Draa Valley, Ouarzazate Travel agencies offer tours to the map to explore the trails of the Atlas and the neighboring valleys reach the dunes of the erg Chebbi or chegaga, ensuring good organization.

Walkers Mountain will enjoy the various hiking trails that wind strings of the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas.

Ait Ben Haddou

About thirty miles from Ouarzazate to the Tizi N'Tichka towards Marrakesh, Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, old kasbah of the seventeenth century with a rich history, is a must visit.

Kasbah Tifoultoute

About fifteen miles on the road to Zagora Kasbah Tifoultoute and indisputable view of the valley of Oued Ouarzazate worth a look.

Oasis of Fint

Farther ten km, do not miss the oasis of Fint, lush real small enclave on the threshold of the Anti-Atlas.

Skoura

40 km east of Ouarzazate, Ouarzazate is the beginning of the road of 1000 kasbahs the road of thousand kasbahs, lived with his palm and typical kasbah architecture of Southern Morocco.

Paradise Valley

TOURISM only 60 km from Agadir, a winding road leads through the valley of paradise, landmark painters in watercolor, to take you to the small village of Imouzzer. A real tour in the heart of almond, palm trees and clear wadis. Made in Agadir takes you to the discovery of Paradise Valley, a breathtaking beauty!

Discover Paradise Valley Imouzzer
Paradise Valley, a godsend

If you want to enjoy the wonderful spectacle that awaits you, as you say he'll have to set the alarm! The road is not long, only 60 km, but it quickly becomes narrow and winding in strength to climb in altitude. It is best to rent a car if you do not have one, because some landscapes deserve that one stops to contemplate.

Starting in the early morning when the light is still soft and dewy; you cross the hillsides speckled argan contrasting with the blue sky tenderly. Once well underway, the landscape changes ... Place in the green valley of palms and small oasis visible from afar. Paradise Valley is nearby, you can just look up to admire the small Berber villages clinging to the white and pink cliffs, the highest indicator is this peaceful river that sleeps in the heart of a beautiful small rocky canyon. If you take the time to stop and observe intact nature, to appreciate every little thing around you, the heart of Wadi beating, birds, the wind blowing in the soft almond trees, this unique smell land and this special brightness in Morocco, then you'll get the gist of paradise Valley.

Immouzzer and waterfalls

Imouzzer Ida Outanane is a small city set on a mountain at 1200 meters altitude. Originally, they are Amazigh tribes ie Berber region of Souss who settled in the highlands. Today it has become a transit point when we want to visit the area and its hinterland. This village is well known for its honey, almond trees and of course its waterfalls that can be spectacular in the wet season.

A tip if you want to see the falls flowing in, go in February and March, some Moroccan give you shivers of fear by jumping from the top of the waterfalls and plunge reaching small water holes, it's amazing! Finally avoid going there on weekends, if you want to enjoy the quiet setting uncrowded, stroll through its magnificent souk and do not forget to honk when cornering to prevent motorists a bit in the head air coming in against sense!

Text Emmanuelle Marty 

AGADIR

The seaside town of southern Morocco 

Pledged 300 days of annual sunshine and a temperature of 20 ° in winter and 30 in summer, Agadir strongly oriented towards reconstruction poles resolutely turned towards the Atlantic Ocean. The tourist and the second, as it should be in a port city to the traditional fishing and maritime trade. 

Tourism activity has naturally turned to water activities. Its summer along the long beach promenade was completed a marina capable of accommodating a number of increasingly important recreational boats. 

Become a key resort in southern Morocco, she has developed a varied hotel infrastructure. While many luxury properties are concentrated in the sea, the wide avenues of the city center and the area of New Talborj, among others, are home to many cafes, restaurants, hotels or guesthouses, certainly more modest but no less welcoming. 

In addition to this important range of accommodation and number of its retail stores, the city center offers enjoyable parks and museums. And gardens Izdaïen, Olhao, Portugal or garden commemorating the twinning links that unite Agadir with this Portuguese city, it is adjoined by a dedicated to the memory of the disaster cataclysm museum. 

The old medina was destroyed, its new large souk, Souk El Had was rebuilt a few kilometers from the center. As colorful and lively as his colleagues, with its 6,000 shops it is a center of attraction and meeting essential for Gadiri. 

Firmly turned towards the sea, Agadir has the means to become the fishing port of the Moroccan Atlantic coast. With a fleet of modern fishing, a commercial port infrastructure to recent performance, it is in it that is exported most of agricultural production in the Souss valley which it assumes the role with gusto capital. + Let's read on ... 

A climb up the old Kasbah gives a great view of the whole. Old now ruined fortress overlooking the bay, she now contemplates an ever watchful eye promising developments facing the ocean with unforgettable sunsets. 

But suddenly, February 29, 1960 

On February 29, 1960, in the night, a devastating earthquake struck the city of Agadir. Quake the deadliest of the twentieth century land he destroyed almost completely neighborhoods north of the river Tidli, making about 15,000 victims and burying her under rubble 90% of people in some sectors, around 30% of the population and as many wounded. Bloodless, this thriving port city try to erase courageously trauma and irreparable scars left by this tragic event. 

A few months later, just started Hauling affected districts, the first stone was laid for reconstruction. 

The decision was made to proceed with this work 2km south of the destroyed areas Founti, Kasbah and Yacheh located on the fault line. 

Rebuilt a modern architecture, Agadir, now loses its cachet typical town in favor of a seemingly more 'modern'. 

the surroundings 

Agadir is not only the seaside city that we know, the hinterland is also suitable for many excursions. 

Along the coast, towns and renowned for surfing spots are not deployed, the Sous Massa National Park is 65 miles south while the north-east Imouzzer des Ida Outanane valley nicknamed 'Paradise Valley is considered one of the best trips around Agadir. Taroudant imperial city of the Anti-Atlas or near Tafraoute in the heart of the valley Ammeln open to you.

MIRLEFT

Sea, surf 'n' sun on the Atlantic coast

Mirleft is a little gem as the Moroccan coast that hides among its beaches, towering cliffs and coves delicately fringed with white sand.

This small town far from identical to Agadir beach tourism is clinging to the steep hills overlooking the ocean power. Built in the early twentieth century, an old ruined fort still seems to watch over the main street lined blued arcades where you can find an assortment of stalls offering local and artisanal products. Slippers, pottery, argan oil and derivatives, fishing equipment, of course coexist with traditional cafes restaurants that drive all the terraces of Moroccan cities.

Since Tiznzit, argan lined road where climb small black goats to graze leaves, prickly pear cactus delicious fruit winds through the foothills of the Anti Atlas before accessing Mirleft. The coastal road from Sidi Ifni tacks it, between the ocean and slopes of the Atlas offering wonderful scenery.

A tourist attraction facing the ocean

If its mild oceanic climate attracted a number of tourists increasingly important, its fishing waters, beautiful sandy beaches, its still more glowing evening sun ocher cliffs, regular waves also attract lovers of fishing sea ​​and water sports enthusiasts.

It has embarked on traditional wooden canoes or from the beach with shots surfcasting long cane duly weighted with lead wire, projected far into the waves that local fishermen stalk bream and wolves. The more adventurous indulge in it, they perched precariously balanced on tiny ledges of cliffs overlooking the waves of the tumultuous ocean in hopes of bream and croaker up after their thread. + Let's read on ...

Like Aglou-Plage or Sidi Ifni in the area, his long white shores regular rolls, the wind often far have helped make Mirleft a recognized spot on which many surfers or windsurfers come to practice their pastimes favorites with confidence in a beautiful setting.

Mirleft addition to its admirable small creeks dominated by steep cliffs, has a very long and beautiful white sand beach, or Sidi Mohammed Abdallah, where swimming can be done nevertheless taking precautions against the heat of strong currents and sea strong beating the shore impetuously.

On the promontory where the ruins of the old fort nest, ocean, sometimes dazzling spray, sails past the eyes, rich colors of the sunset, as framed by ocher walls fringed sandy creeks. Farther inland emerges giving cravings Getaway hiking or mountain biking, hiking on mules.

This is why this little haven of peace Atlantic offers a relaxed atmosphere in the always pleasant temperature ...

TAROUDANT

Taroudant, Little Marrakech Atlas

At the heart of the Souss valley, more than 7 km of walls surround the Medina Taroudant, the first capital of the Saadian sultans in the sixteenth century.

The city is famous for its leather craft, wrought iron and Berber silver jewelry, while tanners are activated every day around the tanks outside the city walls to Bab Targhount.

With the backdrop of the peaks of the High Atlas, Taroudant medieval city in the heart of a fertile valley, is a very good base to explore the mountain trails of the backcountry, palm groves, including that of Tioute 30 km. The plain opens to the ocean toward the west at about 80 km.

Around the walls of Taroudant.

The current walls of Taroudant, erected successive bastions and pierced by five gates, the main one being Bab el Kasbah, date from the early 18th century, the old walls were destroyed. Subsequently, the ramparts have been continually restored until the early twentieth century by successive masters of Taroudant.

Over the hours, the color of 7 km of walls surrounding Taroudant varies from warm golden brown purple. They can easily travel on foot, bicycle or horse-drawn carriage. In many places of wooded gardens help to develop them.

The medina.

The walls encircle a medina 3 square kilometers; 5 doors, some of which are only accessible to pedestrians and bicycles, open access to the heart of the city ...

Terraces instead al-Alaouyine offer early morning tasty breakfast and lunchtime a fairly classic Moroccan cuisine, grilled meats or sandwiches to eat on the go.



Around the square an Nasr, stalls offer simple food and cheap.

-Bab Oulad Bounouna northwest, Bab el Khemis north, Bab el Kasbah Taroudant main entrance to the west, Bab Zorgane south, Bab Taghount southeast, overlooking the tanneries.

Taroudant by its similarities to the southern capital, its adobe walls, souks and lively squares is also known as Little Marrakech.

Walks around Taroudant.

Located in the heart of the Sous plain between the High Atlas and the Anti Atlas, Taroudant offers a valuable framework and varied to meet the mountain trails of the backcountry, Berber villages with their groves and the many forests argan and almond trees that surround them.

The village of Amagour

32 km south of Taroudant, this charming village surrounded argan, is located on a spur of the Anti Atlas. A path winds near the hills and leads to a silent volcano crater, migratory bird sanctuary in winter.

Oasis Tioute.

37 km south of Taroudant, available first mounted the Anti Atlas, at whose feet the palm Tioute houses some Berber villages dominated by a kasbah, whose ruins have preserved a great look. Walks in the villages and palm groves on foot or speed bumps.

TIZNIT

In the axis of the Anti Atlas, the desert and the sea

With its medina surrounded by ramparts around which has developed a more modern city, Tiznit occupies a prominent place in the region.

At the crossroads of the ocean, the desert and the mountains, it interconnects the Souss Valley in southern Morocco and the foothills of the Anti Atlas to the Atlantic coast.

Tiznit, which dates back to 1882, is valued for its old Jewish quarter and surrounded medina walls, which with their 36 towers and 9 gates, more modest than those of Taroudant, but did not testify under its past as it has long been one of the major places of southern Morocco.

Visit Tiznit

In addition to its old quarters, Tiznit is also famous for its craft of jewelry. You can see in the souk jewelers, the medina, the Jewish quarter, the rich Berber architecture made of rammed earth houses and walkways. The work of these artisans perpetuating an old craft heritage through the manufacture of traditional silver Berber jewelery and brooches that have brought fame to the city.

Place el Méchouar adjacent to the medina is one of your main events of the city. Around this bustling plaza, many small traditional cafes and restaurants, phone shops and cybercafes.

Medina has the distinction of comprising four districts among which is a source called 'blue source. While outside the walls in the new town houses various departments and administrations.

The proximity of the ocean, with beaches on Aglou and Mirleft known for waves and their fishing grounds, and the Anti Atlas, getaways to the neck of Kerdous and Tafraoute back country mountain landscape with warm, makes Tiznzit a nice step.

Explore the surroundings

Fishing enthusiasts to start surfcasting and water sports will even Mirleft, a small town surrounded by steep cliffs, creek and beach of white sand, about thirty miles away. Mirleft is also a renowned surfing spot.

20 km from Tiznit, the small resort Aglou-Plage has large white sandy beaches, often deserted where swimming can be dangerous because of strong currents and a small natural harbor surrounded by a village fishermen.

The beautiful beach of Sidi mohammed-or-Abdallah, Mirleft, is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in the southern Moroccan coast through the whiteness of its sand and its many coves.

50 km north of Tiznit, the Souss Massa National Park is located at the mouth of the Oued Massa. This nature reserve is home to many species of birds: ducks, ibises, flamingos ... and salt.

The road to the pass Kerdous (1100m) and winds through Tafraoute Anti Atlas is a beautiful route, punctuated with small valleys and traditional villages in which to walk to meet a population always smiling and warm .