If the big tourist cities no longer hold any secrets for you, it's time to look further afield, to remote regions that still abound in hidden treasures and authentic places. Morocco is the perfect destination for this, because as you move away from the big cities, its paths, sometimes winding and steep, guide you towards authentic Berber villages full of charm.
For those who don't know where to start visiting Moroccan Berber villages, head for the Atlas, with this selection of 5 sites to visit without delay and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this nomadic people of North Africa. Colourful, discreet, famous or little-known to the general public, there's something for everyone! Accessible in 2 to 4 hours by car from Marrakech, these villages are perfect for a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city, or even for a multi-day immersion in Berber culture.
A Moroccan Berber village in the Atlas mountains
- © Leonid Andronov / Shutterstock
The town of Ouarzazate in southern Morocco
- © Leonid Andronov / ShutterstockOuarzazate is not the oldest, but it is undoubtedly the best-known of Morocco's Berber towns, and is a must-see when visiting Morocco, and more specifically the south of the country.
Its geographical position has earned it the nickname of 'gateway' to the desert, as it lies on the edge of the immense sand dunes of the Sahara.
Atlas Studios west of Ouarzazate
- © Yelo Jura / ShutterstockWith its colours and many famous historic monuments, film-makers have often set down their suitcases and cameras in the city. Be sure to visit the Studios de l'Atlas to immerse yourself in the world of your favourite films.
Length of visit: Still in operation, the visit lasts around 1 hour, and is possible if no filming is taking place there.
Prices: 80 Dhs (approx. 7.10 euros) for the Atlas Studio, 40 Dhs (approx. 3.50 euros) for Kingdom of Heaven, 110 Dhs (approx. 9.80 euros) for the combined tour. Admission is free for children aged 5 and under.
Address: Km 5, BP 28 Route de Marrakech, 45000, Morocco
Not far from Ouarzazate, 30km away, we recommend a visit to the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best-known and best-preserved Berber villages in Morocco, and probably one of the most beautiful too! This mythical village, built of ochre-coloured earth, has also been the setting for a number of films and TV series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
The Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, 30km from Ouarzazate
- © Olena Tur / Shutterstock
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The Berber village of Asni, surrounded by massifs and impressive vegetation
- © VCoscaron / ShutterstockThanks to its geographical location, the Berber village of Asni offers an uninterrupted view of the Atlas mountains. At the foot of Jebel Toubkal, the highest point in the High Atlas, the panorama is superb! The authenticity of the village can be discovered slowly, as you stroll through the surrounding countryside. Getting lost in the colourful streets of Asni is the best way to enjoy the atmosphere of the village and suspend time. If you go there on a Saturday morning, be aware that this is the day of the souk and that bartering is still widely practised.
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A tree-lined alley in the Berber village of Ouirgane, in the Atlas Mountains
- © Mick2770 / ShutterstockWho said the Atlas Mountains had a difficult climate? Certainly not the vegetation in the Berber village of Ouirgane, where the lanes are lush green and offer visitors the chance to take a quiet stroll in the shade of rich vegetation ranging from oak, maple and ash trees to poplars. This small village lies at the very heart of the Toubkal National Park, a feast for the eyes!
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The Oukaimeden ski slopes in Morocco
- © chekilino85 / Shutterstock"Is it a Moroccan Berber village or a ski resort?" "Both my captain!". As well as being a Berber village full of charm, Oukaimeden is adorned in a magnificent white coat when winter arrives and is transformed into a very pleasant ski resort where you can try out the powder. And it's all less than 2 hours from Marrakech!
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Agricultural plots around Aït Hamza
- © Khammar Essafi 2019 / ShutterstockIf there's one village where you can discover a whole, unvarnished culture, and inhabitants who are generous and proud of their way of life, it's Aït Hamza. Perched high up in the mountains, this isolated village with its narrow ochre-stained streets is like a hidden treasure, with the power to make you enjoy every moment. For a few hours, or even a day or two, Aït Hamza invites you to immerse yourself in the colourful local life!
