Pour moi, le vrai Maroc, ce n'est pas Marrakech, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, etc...pièges à touristes....mais bien les douars perdus dans les montagnes de l'Atlas avec leur population de vrais bèrbères, des gens authentiques, souriants, chaleureux, un peu craintifs, et curieux à la fois;c'est ça le vrai Maroc qu'il faut visiter😎😎😎
Le Maroc athentique, ce n'est pas non plus cette horde de campings cars, qui ont investi chaque recoin de la cote, raboté chaque dune, vidangé n'importe où, ceux qui ont connu Taghazout il y a 20 ans ont connu l'authentique, qu'en reste t'il?
On ne peut plus prendre une photo d'un lac de montagne, comme à Imilchil, sans cube en plastique.
Vous avez un outil formidable, le gachez pas!
Le Camping car, lié aux nouveaux goudrons, vous permet de vous enfoncer dans l'Atlas, mais pas de provoc, ces gens 'souriants, chaleureux, et un peu craintifs' (citation) peuvent changer devant l'étalage de richesse.
Excusez moi mais je n'ai pas encore digéré le spectacle de 2 couples, la soixantaine, en maillots de bain, auvent déroulé, musique à fond et glacière et bières bien en vue, devant le souk d'Asni, village encore authentique.
🙁EFFECTIVEMENT, en parlant de Taghazout..comment des gens peuvent s'agglutiner à 600 ou 800 c/cars sur cette plage et pour certains pendant des mois !!!!incroyable!!!!
je ne suis pas d'accord!
le Maroc authentique il est dans chaque habitant, du moment ou tu t'interesse un peu a eux tu peux le decouvrir, il faut juste ne pas se limiter aux visites touristiques .
bonjouren reponse, un exemple : ouarzazate, etait un trou perdu il y a vingt ans.................on pouvait le qualifié d'authentique....pour nous europeens peut etre....les gens crevait de faims......grace aux "piege a touriste" ca s'est developpé et grace a nous...touristes, les marocains de cette regions vivent mieux......heureusement
le tourisme n'a pas que des mauvais cotés.....
esperons que ce sera le cas pour tout le reste de ces regions plus tard......
en ce qui me concerne, je prefere voir de superbe paysages, que de savoir que des enfants vivent dans de miserables cahutes, les prendre en photo avec mon dernier appareil numerique et les admirer dans mon beau canapé une fois rentré.
ceci dit, je suis en parti d'accord pour le reste.......
Ouarzazate n'a jamais été authentique, à part la petite kasbah et encore elle est récente, c'est une ville crée autour des casernes de l'armée francaise.
Il y a 20 ans Ouarzazate était en plein boom du cinéma, les tournages se succédaient, des gens de Marrakech, de Casa, d'Agadir, et d'ailleurs, ne pensaient qu'à s'y faire une place et affluaient. La plupart des grands hotels éxistaient déja. et à partir de la on a vu fleurir les bidonvilles des laissés pour compte, comme dans toutes les agglomérations ou les gens sont attirés par les lumières de la ville. cette pauvreté est nettement plus redoutable (nid de l'intégrisme et des frustrations) que celle apparente (selon nos critères) du paysan dans un village isolé du haut atlas qui vit parfois dans une maison rudimentaire, mais pas une misérable cahute comme aux périphéries des villes.
Le tourisme a peut etre des élus, et c'est tant mieux, mais il reste encore beaucoup d'exclus y compris dans les lieux les plus visités.
Et avant le tourisme, les gens ne crevaient pas plus de faim que maintenant., la famille existait, la tribu existait, l'agriculture et le commerce existaient, .................. soyons modestes, c'est pas grace à nous européens si les gens vivent mieux. (certains vivent différemment, mais à mon avis, pas mieux !)
Pour moi, le vrai Maroc, ce n'est pas Marrakech, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, etc...pièges à touristes....mais bien les douars perdus dans les montagnes de l'Atlas avec leur population de vrais bèrbères, des gens authentiques, souriants, chaleureux, un peu craintifs, et curieux à la fois;c'est ça le vrai Maroc qu'il faut visiter😎😎😎
entièrement d'accord avec toi mais bizarre pour qqn qui se déguise en homme bleue à la touriste belge dans les dunes de Merzouga.
Le voyageur passe inévitablement par ces cités marocaines pour les visiter et rencontrer ses habitants qui sont également des gens authentiques, souriants et chaleureux. Un pays n'est pas fait de vrais ou faux gens. La découverte, l'enrichissement, l'émerveillement sont là où les uns s'ouvrent aux autres avec respect.
entre le tourisme de masse qui crée des revenus...surtout pour les plus gros (tours operators et chaines hôtelières, etc.) mais qui corrompt et ne respecte ni environnement ni cultures et modes de vie, et pas de tourisme du tout....il y a quand même maintenant quelque chose qui peut devenir très intéressant et qui commence à intéresser certains: un tourisme plus personnalisé, qui respecte le visiteur et celui qui l'accueille....le tourisme solidaire et équitable...plus proche des gens, plus humain....et qui rapporte à ceux qui sont le plus dans le besoin...et non le contraire!
salut Raoulx ayant parcouru pas mal de km au Maroc a pied, ouen 4x4 il est vrai que qu il est de plus plus dur de trouver des coins authentiques, d ailleurs je fus tres heureux de voir la plage blanche avant le projet de x milliers de lits, la route est deja terminee Guelmin plage blanche c est un vrai boulevard maintenant
QUand je lis que le tourisme fait vivre les locaux alors la c est vraiment beau a lire mais en realite c est tout autre .
Sur 100 europeens qui se rendent au Maroc combien d eux ont ils deja acheter des vivres sur le marche, combien d euux ont ete heberges chez l habitant, combien d eux ont vraiment mange une vrai tajine et je pourrais continuer .
QUand je vois defiler des bus entiers .............je fuis pour moi ce nest pas du tourisme .
En septembre 2004 nous avons relie Imilchil Tounfite a pied, je peux vs dire que mon fils de 14 ans a vecu de forts moment :une partie de foot avec les jeunes villageois au milieu de nule part cela s appelle de l authanticitee .
Manger des sardines grillees avec les pecheurs du port de Tarfaya, boire le the dans un poste militaire sur la plage reliant Laayoune a Tarfaya c est de l authanticitee, demander au chef du village de Tah la permission de remplir nos bidons d eau c est authentique et pour finir ensabler le patrol jusqu au chassis sur la plage et se faire pousser par des pecheurs qui arrivent de nulle part cela s appelle du savoir vivre .
Un autre probleme lie en partie au tourisme le deboisement des palmeraies personne n en parle et poutant cela se pratique tt les jours .
cordialement
bonjour tiznit, je viens de m inscrire dans le groupe et je suis interesse pour aller au marroc a la fin de septembre, tu peux m indiquer ou dire que je dois visiter et comment faire la connexion pour les villes?
coucou nous sommes six a partir au maroc par bateau le quinze septembre nous aimerions savoir si tu pouvez nous donner quelques adresses d'hotel pas cher a marrakech ou dans les environs merci d'avance
Tout depend de ce que l`on entend par ``authentique``...
Un marchand de tapis pour touristes c`est authentique !!
Bon blague a part, c`est vrai, que le voyageur un peu plus aventureux recherche avant tout est une certaine harmonie, un accord avec le paysage et les gens qui le peuple...Par exemple, rien de plus affreux qu`une horde de 4X4 qui debarque de nulle part alors que l`on est penard a discutailler avec un groupe de sarahouis au coin d`un puits !
ca casse un peu l`ambiance...mais bon a chacun son trip !
Mais d`une magniere generale, c`est loin des coins touristiques que l`on fait souvent de belles rencontres, authenthiques ds le sens ou l`on n`est pas percu comme un touriste, mais comme un voyageur authentique...justement.
Mon ami et moi souhaitons partir cet été en aout (nous sommes étudiant donc période de congés scolaire obligatoire) au maroc. Nous adorons la nature, les beaux…
Je suis à la recherche d'une authentique maison d'hôtes à Essaouira, tenue par de "vrais" propriétaires marocains. Auriez-vous une ou deux adresses que vous…
Je suis un amoureux de Taroudant. J'aime son calme, sa chaleur, la gentillesse de sa population (que l'on retrouve partout au Maroc), son ambiance, ses souks,…
Vais me rendre à Marrakech pour une semaine en Juillet. Étant dans la photo, je recherche des endroits uniques à capturer avec mon appareil. J'ai parcouru…
Je pars une semaine fin novembre à Marrakech. Pour le logement, je recherche un Riad sympa et authentique dans la médina, ou tout proche. Auriez-vous des…
Hello,
In September, my wife and I, along with another couple, will be traveling to Tunisia and staying at the Sheherasade Hotel near Sousse.
We’d love to hear your recommendations or tips on places to visit, as well as advice on taxis or other transportation options.
Thanks in advance!
Is there an official website or list of certified Egyptologist guides in Egypt? And most importantly, what are the normal prices for a full day or half day? There’s so much scamming and crazy pricing—depending on who you contact, it can range from simple to quadruple!!!!
Thanks
We're planning a 2-week trip in late February/early March for a road trip in the High Atlas with a rental car, and we'd love to avoid booking our accommodations in advance. Is that doable, easily manageable, or risky (are accommodations available, expensive, or not great)? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
This autumn’s trip should be in Morocco—barring any geopolitical issues between now and then.
After many trips to the south of Fès, I’m giving the north a try.
My plan is roughly to do a road trip loop from Rabat back to Rabat, passing through Asilah, Tangier, Tétouan, Chefchaouen, Akchour, Fès, Meknès, and Volubilis.
That’s a lot of cities.
Probably a bit too many for our taste—we usually prefer more isolated spots...
So I’m looking for tips on little backroads, secluded beaches, half-day hikes, and offbeat places.
If you’ve also got recommendations for accommodation... (We’re open to splurging over 100 € if it’s a real favorite.)
Feel free to think outside the box—this is an open-ended plan! !😉
Hello,
I’m looking for testimonials from Pieds-Noirs who have recently returned to Algeria.
There can’t be many left after 65 years of the country’s independence.
I’m planning to go back myself soon to reconnect with my roots... before I pass away...
I’ve started making a few pre-bookings for hotels and apartments to rent in Algiers. At first, I received friendly and welcoming responses. Then, when I mentioned I wanted to stay for two or three weeks—maybe even a month—explaining that my trip wouldn’t be strictly touristy but more of a pilgrimage to the places of my childhood, and that it would likely be a very emotional journey, I expected a positive and warm reaction to my approach. Instead, I suddenly stopped getting replies from the three or four people I’d contacted. So now I’m wondering about the reception former Pieds-Noirs can expect...
Anyone here who can share their experience of returning? I specified “recently” because it seems that right now, diplomatic relations between the two governments are extremely tense, not to say hostile... even if Macron claims otherwise...
Hello,
I’m traveling to Algeria from October 27 to November 16, 2026.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through the process about the accommodation attestation required for the visa application:
- Does it need to cover the entire duration of the trip?
- Is this document mandatory for a hotel to rent a room?
- Is it checked during inspections?
- Is a hotel booking (e.g., via Booking.com) sufficient for the visa?
- If so, does it need to be paid in advance?
I plan to visit several cities and do one or more treks with a guide or agency.
If you have any contacts you’d recommend, I’d be grateful!
Also, I’d love to share this trip with a companion who’s already done some traveling.
We’d organize the journey together, of course.
Thanks for your feedback!
Safe travels to all,
Dom, Dijon, 64 years old
I’m leaving for Tunisia in five weeks for a full 15-day trip. I’ll be arriving in Monastir and departing from there as well.
I’d like to do a route that’s a bit different from my first stay, which was more focused on cities and culture (Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan, El Jem).
I’ll be getting around by public transport.
I’d like to head south toward Tozeur, and I saw that you can take a *louage* from Monastir to Sbeitla (2h30). I imagine it’s not too complicated to get to Tozeur from there afterward? The issue is the return trip to Monastir and safety in Sbeitla.
If this route seems too complicated, I might opt for Djerba instead, which looks simpler.
I’m heading to Morocco in September 2026, and part of my trip takes me through Merzouga. I’m looking for a 4x4 driver-guide to explore the area with my partner and me.
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
Hi there,
I’m looking for some friendly recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech for 3 nights in June 2026.
In the meantime, have a great day, everyone! Thanks so much in advance.
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier.
Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel...
Day 3: Stop in Tetouan
Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains
Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!)
Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis
Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad)
After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF).
Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
Tickets for entry to Majorelle Garden are only issued online via an official site
(though there are fraudulent sites out there). On the official site, they ask for legitimate info
(name, nationality, etc.). What made me go "hmm" was the request for both an email address
AND a password (with confirmation). Is this normal?
Thanks for your replies.
Hi there, a group of girlfriends and I are heading to Tunisia. We’d love to know how much cash we should bring for 6 days, considering everything’s already paid for at the hotel. Thanks for your tips!
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary:
From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure)
Arrival and departure: Essaouira
Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest
Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities
Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering?
Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac
Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel
Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac
Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep
Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac
Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac
Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest
Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay
Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac
Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight)
Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
A lot of people find it important to stick to their budget when traveling—not to skimp, but to visit as many places as possible since traveling is their hobby.
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
Hi everyone! 😊
We’re traveling as a family to Marrakech from April 19 to 24, and there’ll be 15 of us (all ages), staying in the Targa neighborhood (El Idrissi Street).
I’d love your advice on a few things! 🙏
🚗 Vehicle rental
We’re thinking of renting 3 cars. We’ve seen really low prices online, but often without insurance.
👉 Do you have any reliable contacts or personal experiences to share?
👉 Would you recommend getting specific “tourist” insurance?
🏛️ Visits – Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
We’d like to visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, but:
We can’t find single tickets online
We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide?
👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.)
🍽️ Restaurants / meals
We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal.
👉 Any thoughts?
👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.)
For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal
Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊
🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood
We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street).
👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍
Thanks so much for your help! 💖
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is...
My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music.
Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians?
We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley.
If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Mid-May: arriving alone (so, a "petit taxi"?) at Marrakech airport around 4:30 PM,
is it advisable to take a taxi at the airport (cost?) or is it wiser to book one through the hotel before departure (which would cost me 20 €)?
I think I’ve seen lower fares elsewhere (12 €?).
Destination: Riad Sijane near Djemaa El Fna square. Thanks!
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening
Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada
Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon
Day 6: Luxor
Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon
Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada
Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van.
Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Morocco in September-October in our Fiat camper van, which isn’t a 4x4 but has already handled quite a bit of rough travel. While reading up on southern Morocco, we’ve been drawn to the Aguinane oasis but I’m having trouble locating it on the map. Is it possible to get there without a 4x4?
Thanks for your help
Hi there,
Can anyone tell me if it's possible to travel from the Dades Gorges (Msemrir) to the Todra Gorges (Tamtatouche) on a paved road? Thanks in advance for any answers.
Hello,
We’d like to hire a French-speaking guide (agency, professional, or volunteer) to show us around Cairo over three days.
Trip planned for November 22, 23, and 24, 2026—four veteran French travelers.
We’re open to any leads, contact info, or suggestions.
Best regards,
Jacques
