The road to Télouet is an adventure in itself! If you're coming from Marrakech, allow around 2h30 for the journey. Take the N9, and once over the Tizi N'Tichka pass, you'll leave the main road to take a small, picturesque road to the left. The N9 is a superb mountain road, with a succession of bends culminating in the Tizi N'Tichka pass and a splendid view of the High Atlas. The small road to Télouet is even more picturesque.
Télouet is a village in the province of Ouarzazate, in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of the High Atlas. Situated at an altitude of 1870 metres, this picturesque village lost in the mountains is accessible via the Tizi-n-Tichka road which links Marrakech to Ouarzazate.
Former stronghold of Thami El Glaoui, one of Morocco's most famous pashas, Télouet was the heart of the Glaoua tribe. For centuries, the tribe derived its prosperity from the rights of passage of the caravans linking the sub-Saharan regions to the Mediterranean coast. But this privilege came to an end in the 1920s with the construction of the famous Tichka road by the Foreign Legion.
In Télouet, you'll find the Kasbah, former residence of the Glaoui. A visit here will leave you dreaming: arcades with precision-cut decorative elements, sumptuous courtyards, marblework inlaid with earthenware. You can also set off from Télouet for some beautiful walks in the surrounding area.
How to get to Télouet
If you're coming from Aït Ben Haddou, hang on tight and get ready to be amazed! For around 1 hour, you will cross the Ounila valley and witness a parade of ochre-coloured landscapes, small hilltop villages and lush green gardens along the wadi. The contrast between these green oases and the fiery red expanses is breathtaking! This stretch of road is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the region! However, we would advise you to be comfortable driving in the mountains, as the road is sometimes very narrow and winding, but that's what makes it all the more exhilarating!
Visit Télouet
Take the time to wander through the ochre-coloured streets of this picturesque little village and meet its inhabitants, and discover the Berber hospitality! In Télouet, time passes in complete tranquillity, so take the opportunity to relax, observe village life and admire the panorama.
There are plenty of walks starting from Télouet. But you don't have to go far to find yourself in some incredible landscapes, with their glowing colours worthy of the American Far West!
Visit the Kasbah of Télouet
A must-see when visiting Télouet, the Kasbah dominates the Oued Imaren and the surrounding hamlets. Built in the 18th and 19th centuries, the kasbah of Télouet was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, then pasha of Marrakech. And it lived up to the prestige of his character! Indeed, the Glaoui family prospered in the region right up until Morocco's independence.
The Glaoui family sided with the French during the protectorate. When it ended in 1956, they were banished from the kingdom and took refuge in France. Their property was then looted or abandoned. There are some plans to renovate the kasbah, but it will inevitably fall into disrepair over time. Fortunately, it is still possible to visit the kasbah, and some of the rooms have retained their former splendour!
The Kasbah is probably one of the most imposing and impressive to visit. Beyond its architectural interest, the visit is fascinating. Accompanied by a local guide, you'll discover more about the tumultuous history of Thami El Glaoui!
👉 Where to stay in Télouet?
Kasbah Tigmi N'Oufella
Located in the village of TélouetKasbah Tigmi N'Oufella is a delightful place to stay, thanks not only to the unrivalled hospitality of its host, but also to its warm, carefully-crafted traditional décor. The guest house also boasts a roof terrace with views of the gardens and mountains, as well as a restaurant serving Moroccan dishes.
Tizi Guest House
Located 2 minutes' drive from the centre of TélouetTizi Maison d'Hôtes is a pretty stone establishment decorated in Moroccan style. Here too, the host's warm welcome is a tribute to Berber hospitality! If you wish, he will be delighted to show you around his native village. You can admire the mountains from the terrace and enjoy traditional cuisine at dinner.
🍝 Where to eat in Télouet?
We recommend eating at the Lion d'Or Atlas restaurant. Very easy to find, at the foot of the Kasbah of Télouet, this restaurant with a great view offers the tastiest traditional dishes. Special mention for the tajines! Otherwise, you should know that most of the accommodation offers dinner. Just remember to give them a few hours' notice.