Unusual experiences in Taroudant
Journey from Agadir: 1 hour 25 mins / 85 km
To visit Taroudant is first of all to have the unique experience of a walk in the medina in the shade of the walls. The walls and the many gates will be even more beautiful at sunset.
Do not hesitate to go for a walk in the oldest part of the city of Taroudant with its narrow streets and typical houses (inside the ramparts). Bâb El Kasbah (30.472372, -8.874724) offers you a beautiful view of the Kasbah, the Salam Palace (former residence of the Pasha which later became a hotel) and of the old arsenal – Dar el Baroud (30.472519, -8.876509 ).
The promenade is ideal for exploring the 7 kilometers of ramparts that surround the city. There are 9 gates and 130 towers around these walls. The bike tour can be done inside the city, where traffic is quieter. It feels like a movie set! For your information, the tour of the ramparts lasts about 1 hour and the cost must not exceed 100 dirhams for one or more people.
The old synagogue of Taroudant has become a store of furniture, lamps, pottery with an incredible stock of carpets, jewelry, dishes in nickel silver. The store is close to the old Jewish cemetery (30.467092, -8.880167).
About thirty kilometers from Taroudant, discover the splendours of the Palmeraie de Tioute (30.385627, -8.694960), a veritable maze of greenery at the foot of a kasbah. Tioute is a marvel of freshness and colors. Following the irrigation canals (seguias) you will find orange trees, date palms, pomegranate and carob trees. A little further on, you will see fields of corn, barley and wheat.
The magnificent kasbah perched on the hill dates from the Saadian period (16th century). From the kasbah (where you will find a restaurant), there is a breathtaking view of the palm grove and the seven villages that comprise it. There is also the possibility of visiting an Argan Cooperative at the entrance of Tioute.
From Taroudant, take the R109 (direction Igherm) and turn right at point: 30.435613, -8.664533. You will also find large taxis at the Bab Zorgane gate (10-15dhrs per person).
Jbel Aoulime is located north of the city of Taroudant (40 km), and it is accessed from the village of Afensou, on the southern slope of the Western High Atlas. This village is the starting point for many 4×4 circuits and hiking or mountain biking. The highest point of Jbel Aoulime is at 3445 meters. This massif offers multiple routes alternating between forests (walnut and almond trees), gorges, oases and waterfalls .
How to get there:
1 hour and 15 minutes by car from Taroudant, 2 roads lead to Imoulass – Afensou (one pass through the dam: 30.635837, -8.825074 ) with very different landscapes. By public transport, a mini bus leaves around 8 am from the Bab Lkhmiss gate (30.478553, -8.874349) – 30 dirhams per person.
At the edge of orange orchards and lush plantations, the Palace of Claudio Bravo is revealed. This famous Chilean painter lived on this property until his death in 2011. Falling under the spell of Morocco, this man lived here for almost 40 years. For his paintings, he was inspired by the magic of light and all that surrounds it. Today, the Bravo museum opens its doors with a sumptuous collection of old vases and Moroccan ceramics. In the garden, there are beautiful exotic plants under the gaze of Roman busts …
How to get there:
From Taroudant, head north to Tamaloukt on the P1727 to then go on to the Claudio Bravo Museum (30.551689, -8.877101) .
Claudio Bravo’s Palace
