Le Marc has been somewhat shunned in recent years due to political conflicts in neighboring countries. But fortunately, this destination is getting back on track and the interest of travelers has been returning in recent months. Here is my favorite itinerary!
Marrakech
Marrakech is still popular with foreign tourists. According to the New York Timesas well as National Geographic, to name a few, the city is definitely one to discover in 2017.
My first memory of this wonderful city dates back to my first trip to Morocco with my father almost 15 years ago. If the city is more touristy today, a visit to the souks lit by lanterns and scented by pyramids of spices is still just as special! There you will find golden fabrics, magnificent carpets, stalls of multicolored slippers and piles of ceramics for all tastes.
And what can we say about the meaningful encounters with the merchants and restaurateurs of the famous Jemaa el-Fna Square, some hidden behind their immense stalls of dried fruits or sweets. I spent a long time with a small group of women offering the service of hennain an artisanal way by candlelight.
Anmiter – Telouet -Ait Benhaddou
En route to the High Atlas mountain range for a first hike, I crossed lunar landscapes, rivers and tiny villages to the Tichka Passlocated at 2250 meters. The landscapes were magnificent! I couldn’t fail to stop by the famous Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou, surrounded by palm trees, where the film Gladiator was filmed.
Ouarzazate – Agdz – Zagora – Tiraf Dunes
Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert, welcomed me for a second time. I discovered the Kasbah Taourirt towards the Draa Valley and the palm oases of Agdz and Zagora.
This is our meeting point with the camel drivers who will guide me quietly towards the Tiraf Dunes. Blue scarf around my head, I felt the peaceful atmosphere of the desert. Songs and laughter around the fire, under a magnificent starry sky. I slept in the Berber tent with the strange sound effects of camels.
Takenakht – Taliouine – Ouled Berhil
I took the scenic route along the Siras Massif to get to the Taliouine highlands. I had the chance to stay in a truly special riad, a former residence where several royal families stayed. The ceramic mosaics and paintings were remarkable.
A real castle surrounded by gardens as far as the eye can see with orange trees, cacti, bougainvillea and immense multicolored rose bushes where magnificent peacocks roamed freely. To see!
Immouzer
The Souss Valley is well known for its argan trees. And it is in these trees that we can see a well-known scene: goats climbing up to the
Tree top. A classic image of Morocco. I really wanted to visit a small cooperative where women work as a community to process argan kernels to extract the oil. These products are sought after all over the world for their beneficial effects on skin and hair.
Essaouira
We then take the road towards the sea! Essaouira is a magnificent white and blue fortified city. The atmosphere there is magical. This place is particularly frequented by hippies and surfers. My bedroom window overlooked the cliffs where the waves crashed. Wow! To do: stroll at the port early in the morning among the bright blue boats with the fishermen who sell their catches at auction.
Imil
This route ends in style with a hike from the village of Aremd, at the foot of the Altlas mountain range. The views of the snow-capped peaks are superb.
I hope you rediscover or rediscover Morocco in 2017!
