Travel for real
The valley of Roses
From the village of Kelaat M’Gouna on the route of the kasbahs, enter an enchantingly perfumed valley to discover one of the multiple secrets of Moroccan tradition.
The queen of flowers in all her splendour
On the road of the kasbahs, 24 km from Boumalne in the Dades valley, is the fortified village Kelaat M’Gouna. Today, this village is an appreciated departure point for treks and walks in the High Atlas, but it is above all the Moroccan capital of the rose, a flower with multiple virtues. A symbol of hospitality, the rose is given to guests before and after the meal. It is also a symbol of purity and serves also for ablutions when the flower has been distilled to produce rose water.
A voyage through subtle odours
Starting from Kelaat M’Gouna and crossing the M’Goun valley northwards, you will arrive in this magical valley of the rose. The visit of the valley requires several hours. In effect, the distance between Kelaat M’Gouna and Bou Thrar, which marks the end of the excursion, is thirty or so kilometres. In Bou Thrar, you will discover a magnificent and impressive ksar (fortified village) which overlooks the pretty oasis of calm that stretches out at its feet. In May, you may participate in the rose festival, the epicentre of which is in Kelaat M’Gouna. The atmosphere is festive with a programme of dancing and concerts. Throughout the year, you can visit one of the distilleries and purchase rose water and other derived products. Observe the impressive process that produces just one litre of rose water from seven tonnes of flowers!
To remember
An evocative voyage to discover one of the most elegant Moroccan traditions.
The honey road
This short apiculture circuit through the mountains starts in Imouzzer, in the valley of Paradise. It is a protected area, nestled in an oasis surrounded by mountains, to the north of Agadir.
The honey tradition
Each year, at the start of May, the Honey festival takes place in Imouzzer-Ida-Outanane. It is an opportunity to celebrate one of the star products of the land that is the pride of the local inhabitants. This village, with its white houses, overlooks a ravishing palm grove encircled by almond, olive and argan trees. Imouzzer is nestled in the valley of Paradise, surrounded by mountains. It is an oasis with terrace farming and rolling plains filled with fruit trees. In the vicinity of Imouzzer, discover the refreshing natural pools of the Asif Tamraght gorge or the Oued Tinkert waterfalls (which only flows in winter).
Izourki Oufella and its incomparable honey
Heading north, you arrive in Argana, then a few kilometres further, in Izourki Oufella. The honey from this village is reputed in the region. Its thyme and lavender perfume is unique. When mixed with almonds and argan oil, it produces amlou, a sweet that is traditionally given to young married couples. The honey is collected in immense rammed-earth hives, the unbaked earth that is used, amongst other things, to build kasbahs. The hive, which is collective, comprises hundreds of boxes, the ownership of which is distributed amongst the villagers. In Izourki Oufella, its dimensions are impressive and it rises over 5 storeys.
To remember
Discover a sweet and aromatic circuit, which starts in the valley of Paradise and crosses incredible landscapes.
The architecture route
A voyage across the country in search of the riches of Moroccan heritage.
The mark of the 20th century on Casablanca
Casablanca, on the Atlantic coast, is a shopwindow for the best architecture of the 1920's. Many Art-Deco buildings are located on Mohammed V boulevard and in the old Mers Sultan European quarter. However, and with striking contrast, Casablanca has remained at the cutting edge of modern architecture with, in particular, the Twin center, which houses offices and a shopping centre that is several storeys high.
Hispano-Mauresque style in Tetouan
On the Mediterranean coast, in the heart of Tetouan's medina, discover the multi-storey buildings of the El Ensanche colonial quarter. The medina is full of these houses decorated with European style wrought iron. In fact, the same characteristics can be found inland in Chefchaouen.
Muslim influence in Fes
Further south, Fes. Here, the medina and its innumerable treasures is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO: gates, fountains, palaces, mosques, caravanserails, medersas (Koranic schools)… Zelliges, stucco, carved wood are an integral part of the town, like an open-air museum.
Berber tradition in the Deep South
Discover the valleys of the Deep South and the marvels of Berber tradition. In terms of architecture, this is expressed through a multitude of rammed-earth kasbahs, citadels, ksour, fortified villages and agadirs, collective attics. The greatest concentration can be found in the Dades valley, also known as the "valley of 1000 kasbahs".
To remember
From north to south, from east to west, the enthralling history of the Kingdom is engraved on each stone.
