Tafraout, the hidden valley

The town of Tafraout itself is home to only around six thousand inhabitants, but by extension the name refers to a multitude of picturesque little villages nestling in the same valley.

Each day promises a new walk, on the slopes of the rocky massifs or in the lush green palm groves of the valley. So take the time to wander along the paths. Admire the houses that blend into the pink granite landscape of the mountains and stroll among the almond, argan and palm trees.

If you take the small roads around Tafraout, you will discover all the beauty for which this valley is famous: marvels of pink granite, boulders in the most astonishing shapes (chimneys, mushrooms...), and above all the famous "Napoleon's hat". Even if the resemblance is not striking, this rock has become the emblem of the small village of Aguerd Oudad.

And why not explore the valley by bike? There are plenty of easy routes for all the family, and it's a great way to explore the valley.

For example, you can complete a very attractive 20km loop (detailed itinerary) by heading off in the direction of Aguerd Oudad, then taking the track to the painted rocks, followed by a short climb to Dou Talzoughte and finally returning to Tafraoute via the Aday road. Shorter routes are of course also possible. Bikes can be hired from a small shop, the "Maison Touareg".

Some thirty kilometres south of Tafraout, you'll find a veritable jewel, a jewel box of greenery. Take the road and, in the middle of this dry, rocky landscape, you'll suddenly see a palm tree tip its nose. Then two, then three, then hundreds! You've reached the Aït Mansour gorges!

This superb canyon of pink rock conceals a surprising oasis. The scenery is simply enchanting. There is very little traffic, so don't hesitate to park your car at the entrance to the gorge and explore it on foot. You can easily walk for 1 or 2 hours along this small road lined with irrigation channels and houses, in the shade of palm trees.

Continue on your way and, still in the middle of a desert landscape, you'll see dozens of strange blue rocks arranged right and left. And no, it's not a rare geological phenomenon, but a work of art!

It's the work of Jean Veran, a Belgian painter who had fun in the 1980s painting nature with spray paint. In the middle of this pink granite setting, these blue rocks create a surprising contrast. Whether you like it or not, it's an unexpected artistic creation!

Far from the sea and well sheltered by its mountains, this region of the Anti-Atlas faces a hot, dry climate in summer, and it can get very cold in winter. February is almond blossom time: the valley and plateaux are in full bloom, offering an incredible landscape! The best period is from September to May, when the climate is most favourable for hiking around Tafraout.

The Kasbah chez Amaliya hostel is a beautiful place, with views of the mountains. This hotel, built like a kasbah, has simple but comfortable rooms and a lovely swimming pool!