Bonjour aux spécialistes de Marrakech,
Je devais partir là bas en mars mais finalement ce sera janvier (4 jours en week end du 20/01)
J'ai vu sur d'autres posts que les températures sont plutôt clémentes (15-18°C), je voulais savoir s'il ya beaucoup de touristes à cette période (hors vacances scolaires) ou si on aura la ville pour nous tout seul. Ya t-il des sites fermés à cette période ?
La petite appréhension que j'ai c'est que justement c'est très touristique et que du coup on sera pris pour du bétail ou des vaches à lait un peu comme à Louxor en Egypte ou Hammameth en Tunisie ? (manque total d'authencité dans ces deux endroits)
Peut-on quand même avoir une vision authentique du Maroc dans cette ville ?
Enfin, j'ai lu dans un autre post qu'aller passer une journée à Essaouira ne valait pas le coup puisque qu'il y avait beaucoup de route et pas grand chose à voir. Quel est votre avis sur la question ?
Merci de vos réponses
Yadin
La vie n'est qu'un bail, duquel on ne contrôle pas la durée...
J'ai passé 5 semaines au Maroc en août dernier. Je suis passé à Marrakech et également Essaouira.
Elles sont certainement les villes ou se trouvent le plus de touristes au Maroc.
J'ai été assez déçu par l'ambiance de ces villes mais c'était l'été.
J'y étais allé précedemment en Avril et c'était totalement différent donc en janvier, cela devrait être pas mal (mais un peu frais).
Malgrè l'affluence touristique et donc de marchands plus ou moins honnêtes, Marrakech comme Essouira sont de très belles villes et si on se balade un peu plus loin qu'en leur centre, on retrouve l'authenticité.
Ne pas aller à Essaouira pour une journée, je comprends, il te restera 3-4h sur place..
La visite de cette superbe ville vaut le coup mais il faut quand même y rester une pleine journée minimum.
concernant ton sejour au maroc tu dois te rendre a essaouira c'est un port magnifique mais attention en ete il fait le soir un peu frisqué alors en hiver .bien sur la distance de 160 kms de marrakech en bus c'est long .tu peu louer une voiture mais faire bien attention au radar a l'entrée d'essaouirra .bon sejour
Salam Alaikoum c.a.d presque que Bonjour en France
Marrakech, Marrakech et une autre fois Marrakech...bienvenue a Marrakech..quelque richards(coutouriers, regisseures..)ont dit c est presque la plus belle belle du monde..et oui bien voila c est ca..Marrakech a une unique et magnefique vue...autour de la ville on voie la montagne de l Atlas..c est unique..les environs sont formidable.faire une sortie a oukaimden pour fare le ski...et ne pas oublier les vallee de l Ourika...c est la nature pure...il y a boucoups a voir a Marrakech et les bon lieu.
Essaouira, 160 km...pour une journee on peu l aimer mais au dela de 2 journee, moi personellement je ne peux pas resister, il faut que je retourne a Marrakech..vous pouvez faire un voyage collectiv mais c est plus cher que personel..le bus tu paye presque 6-7Euro par trajet...ca va le coup
Si vou etes assisster a faire que Marrakech et environ..prendre une semaine pour bien voir cette belle ville, 2 semaine c est mieux...et voir de ne pas etre amoureux de Marrakech..la ville est presque saturee avec les Etrangers, francais en premiere klasse-Ils sont devenus presque Marrakchis-et plus ou moins une mauvaise reputation a cause de comportement, se moquent des marocains et ont aider a publier la prostitution et l endophilie ici a Marrakech (Mais comme touriste tu remarquera presque rien, il passe bc deriere les coulisses..)
La ville Marrakech n est plus vierge comme les derniers annee 70, 80, 90 mais il y a bc (du monde ici, tous veulent marrakech, marocains ou etrangers) a voir...et ce n est pas moins cher comme ils pensent les francais, c est presque comme la france, on trouve tous ici, j ai dit tous...je vous propose de reserver une chambre dans une maison d hote, c est plus pratique et pas loin du centre de ville et tu es presque en contakt des habitands de Marrakech..c est unique..il y a bc des francais qui ont dernierement des maisons d hotes et font aussi le commerce et le busnisse...allez bon voyage et je serais a votre position pour une question....salam Alaikoum
bonjour,
oh lala 4 jours au maroc que ca va passer vite alors profite de marrakech ballade toi
je viens de rentrer de marrakech
sur la terrasse de notre hotel sur la place djema el fna le 31 decembre au SOLEIL notre thermometre est monté jusque 31° nous avons bu le champagne a 19H 30 dehors un reve
et a essaouira les enfants europeens se baignaient et les touristes etaient en maillot de bain sur la plage pour un 30 dec pas mal !!! cetait magnifique
profitez bien de votre week end
* majorelle, les souks, une ballade en caleche, ect ect
il y a un an j etais au maroc.
les temperatures, attention il fait froid, prevoit des trucs un peu chaud, franchement j ai jamais eu aussi froid, surtout parceque j etais pas preparer.
deux super periode pour visiter le maroc tranquille.
j ai adorer mon sejour la bas.
non tu n es pas du betail en tout cas pas a cette periode.
y a pleins de petites guesthouse sympa autour de la fameuse djema el fna
pas cher.
on a louer une voiture pour se diriger vers ouarzazathe et on c etait beau!!!!!!
vraiment c est super d eviter l affluence des touristes, c est calme en tout cas ca l etait il y a un an
Vraiment merci de vos réponses, on sent les amoureux de cette destination. Je pense que je vais vraiment aimer. Même si j'hésite toujours entre Essaouira et l'Atlas, on verra.
Je pense trouver de l'authencité, il faut savoir la trouver, en plus hors saison comme ça...
Vivement dans une semaine
Merci à tous
La vie n'est qu'un bail, duquel on ne contrôle pas la durée...
franchement marrakech, bof...j' y suis passé y' a pas longtemps.
certes, la ville se situe dans un cadre magnifique, il y' des beaux batiments, mais dans le fond ça sonne faux...les musiciens gnaouas de la place m' ont attristé...
arnakech...c' est plutot ça!la ville touristique par excellence, et bien polluée comme il faut
l' air y est irrespirable
je te conseille plutot essaouira, qui reste tout de meme touristique mais l' ambiance y est bien
plus sereine e
ce moment il ne doit pas y' avoir bcp de touristes quand j' y pense
pour l' authenticité, il vaut mieux partir pour 1 mois au moins, oir plus, et se faire au rythme du pays
au fil des rencontres, on te conseille tjs les meilleurs endroits....
bon voyage
marie de toulon.
pour essaouirra: si tu vas en bus, de l' hotel ou de la gare, tu arrivera à 11H pour repartir vers 16H c'est peu, bien sur tu mangeras du poisson sur le port, mais surtout tu verras la mer et avec un peu de chance il y aurra des vagues, mais quelles vagues!!rien à voir avec l'estaque ou st cyr (83).pour marrakech, je suis accro, je ne peux te dire qu'une chose, tu y verra ce que tu veux bien y voir, marrakech, çà se mérite, j 'ai rencontré des gens extraordinaires dans des endroits très touristiques, et je retourne pour la 6eme fois en mai .
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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
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!
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
Hi there,
I have a layover in Algeria.
I won’t be leaving the airport.
The two tickets aren’t with the same airline.
Do I need a transit visa?
Thanks for any details and your help!
Hi there,
I live in Casablanca and my parents, who are 80, will be joining me in Marrakech at the beginning of May for a few days.
We’ll be renting a car to get around.
Do you have any suggestions for things to see or visit within a 2-3 hour drive max from Marrakech that aren’t too touristy?
My parents can walk a bit, but at 80, no climbing Mount Toubkal!
Thanks so much in advance for your ideas!
