Experience cinema in Ouarzazate!

Thanks to its natural and cultural diversity, Ouarzazate now enjoys an international reputation as a film destination. This reputation has earned it the nicknames of "Moroccan Hollywood" and "Ouarzawood"! In addition to its lunar landscapes and traditional kasbahs, Ouarzazate enjoys almost 300 days of sunshine a year, providing a unique light much sought-after by film-makers.

The beginnings of cinema in Ouarzazate date back to colonial times, with "Les Hommes sans nom" being the first film shot in Ouarzazate in 1937. Then came "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves" in 1954 and "Lawrence of Arabia" in 1962, to name but the best-known.

In 1983, Atlas Studios Ouarzazate was created. In the 80s, the first film shot at Atlas Studios was "The Diamond of the Nile", starring Michael Douglas. At the end of the 90s, Atlas Studios hosted the shooting of the most influential film since its creation, the blockbuster "Gladiator" directed by Ridley Scott.

From then on, film industry professionals began to regard Ouarzazate as the African capital of cinema, and many other successful films followed. Some of the best-known filmmakers have shot in these studios, including "The Mummy", "Kingdom of Heaven", "Babel" and Alain Chabat's "Asterix and Obelix Mission Cleopatra"!

Thanks to Atlas Studios, the region's economy has developed rapidly. The film industry still plays a major role in the life of this province. Filming has contributed to the tourist industry by raising the profile of this magnificent region around the world.

So what can you expect when you visit the studios? You'll have the chance to discover and walk around the sets where many films and series have been shot. The advantage of this studio is the imposing size of its grounds, which means that the sets can be left in place after a film has been shot. As well as delighting visitors, the sets can be used for other shoots, for productions with smaller budgets for example.

The sets in question are life-size, intact and imposing. The visit is a real immersion in scenes from our favourite films. Film buffs will easily recognise many of the sets, especially the most recent ones such as Gladiator, Troy, Babel and Asterix and Obelix. It's a fun experience, and it's quite amazing to imagine yourself for a moment in Egypt in Caesar's Palace, then in Asia with the Chinese Pagoda, for example.

During the guided tour, you'll discover what goes on behind the scenes of filming, a few anecdotes and the methods used to build the sets, which have evolved over time. It is not necessary to book guided tours in advance. Exceptionally, the tour itinerary may be modified if filming is in progress. In such cases, it's not unusual to catch a glimpse of the film crews and actors in costume!

Just a 5-minute drive from the studios (1 km), Riad Tama & Spa is built in a traditional architectural style. All the rooms are comfortable, warm and decorated with great care. Above all, this discreetly luxurious Riad enjoys an exceptional setting, with views over the palm groves from the large, beautiful terrace. There's also a spa and a superb swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens. The promise of a charming stay!