Bonjour à toutes et à tous 😉
J'ai envie de vous poser la question suivante mais auparavant je précise que je ne juge personne c'est juste que j'aimerai comprendre certaines remarques qui fusent très souvent sur le forum, la voici :
Pourquoi certains forumistes critiquent-ils systématiquement les sites touristiques ? Un exemple : Marrakech serait un Disneyland à la sauce marocaine ? Les merveilles d'Egypte sont des pièges à touristes ? Moi je trouve ces endroits magnifiques tout en appréciant d'autres beaucoup moins connus.
Les sites touristiques ne l'étaient pas (touristiques) avant que des étrangers ne s'y rendent et avant que les moyens de locomotion ne soient ce qu'ils sont actuellement. Ces personnes émettant ces critiques se sont bien rendues elles-aussi sur ces sites ? Pourquoi réagir ainsi ?
En critiquant de cette façon ne vont-ils amener les gens à ce rendre dans des régions plus calme qui ne le resteront pas longtemps du coup ? Un exemple : Mh'amid au Maroc, on en parlait pas tant que ça il y a quelques années et maintenant c'est devenu presque incontournable, pourquoi à votre avis ?
Voilà ceci dit sans jugement mais avec de l'incompréhension. Merci d'éclairer ma lanterne.
Lorsque j'en aurais assez d'aller voir au loin j'irai voir d'où je viens.
Ceux qui traitent un endroit touristique de Disneyland, se sont quand meme bien précipité pour le visiter? un choix motivé par quoi ?, la renommée touristique peut etre ?
Et si ils en ont conclu de facon péremptoire de telles affirmations, c'est peut etre qu'ils n'ont pas été capables de prendre le recul nécessaire pour en apprécier les valeurs.
J'ai été une fois quelques jours aux pyramides, les autocars pouvaient benner des centaines de touristes, je ne les voyais pas ! j'ai marché seul, autour, jusqu'à minuit au clair de lune avant de me décider à rentrer à l'hotel (bondé !)
Ton autre question sur Mahmid, est dans un autre registre.
On ne parlait pas de cette région il y a quelques années parce que le goudron n'y arrivait pas et que la région était sous controle militaire strict !
On en parle aujourd'hui surtout parce que les tas de sables environnants sont les plus près de Marrakech, et qu'il y a une demande "d'excursion dans le désert" qui monte en flèche de la part de touristes qui ne concoivent le désert qu'avec une dune, aussi petite ou sale qu'elle soit (voir le scandale Tinfou), de plus ces excursions sont très lucratives, un transport interminable, un tagine, un thé, un matelas dans une tente, 1/2 h de dromadaire, de quoi faire de la valeur ajoutée !!!!! une ou 2 émissions de télé par la dessus grace à des journalistes complices très bien traités et voila un lieu ou le professionalisme n'est pas encore arrivé, déguisé en spot à la mode.
Il faut voir aussi sur d'autres forums (merci VF de nous les épargner !!!! quoi que ??) toutes les pubs faites par les touristes qui ont succombé au charme des faux "hommes bleus " !! et qui font tout pour leur envoyer d'autres clientes !
J'y passe tous les ans, pour compléter mon carnet d'adresses, et voir si je ne me trompe pas, je n'y vois toujours rien à conseiller, sur la durée.
Ici beaucoup de forumeurs considèrent que seul leurs façons de voyager est la bonne, la plus authentique, la plus respectueuse... phénomène d'egocentrisme qui touve son apogée sur ce forum où l'attitude de ces "vrais" voyageurs empèche les autres de s'exprimer...
Pour te parler de Marrackech au bout de 5 minutes sur la place Jemaa El Fna personnellement je craque et je pars
dans les souks et après 300 m je me retrouves au calme . Il y a plein de personnes qui adorent la place et c'est tant mieux . Marrakech est une ville que j'aime par son animation
j'adore m'assoir sur les bancs entre la Koutoubia et la place
et faire comme beaucoup de Marocains regarder les gens passés c'est très divertissant . Pour le Maroc quand on parle d'endroits touristiques, cela entraine augmentation de prix,
mendicite guide( faux évidemment) une ambiance particulière
règne dans ce que l'on peux appelle les sites touristiques. Dans Marrakech il y a pleins de petits marchés très agréables en dehors de l'autoroute . A chacun ses vacances, certains privilegies les monuments, d'autres ne vivent que la nuit, d'autres viennent connaitre une autre culture, d'autres
font l'hotel, le restaurant, la piscine, etc etc etc chacun voyage comme il aime si tous le monde voyagait de la même façon se serait triste . Il est indispensable de faire les endroits touristiques pour ensuite aller dans ceux qui ne le sont pas et la seulement il est possible de commencer a aimer et a connaitre un petit peu le Maroc
Bonne soirée
Jean-Marc Maryse
Jean-Marc & Maryse
Qui plante un arbre, plante le bonheur (proverbe chinois)
J'ajouterais une chose sur ce que raoulx a expliqué pour M'hamid. La population de M'hamid va voter au référendum sur le Sahara ex-espagnol. Donc aujourd'hui on les laisse faire ce qu'ils veulent, et même beaucoup de marocains s'en plaignent.
Les lieux "trop" touristiques sont des endroits qui perdent leur âme parce que cela devient des zoos, des musées, des coins où on "montre ce qu'il faut voir" au lieu de "vivre".
C'est essentiellement la faute de ceux qui les visitent en consommateurs, mais il faut bien avouer que quand on ne peut pas approcher les tombeaux saadiens à cause des groupes qui s'agglutinent en permanence, buller tranquille à Majorelle, etc... cela perd beaucoup de son charme.
Nous serons au Maroc fin septembre début octobre. Notre itinéraire est pas mal fixé mais il nous reste 3 jours à préciser entre Ait Ben Haddou et Merzouga.…
Je pars en voyage 3 semaines avec mes 2 filles, 8 et 10 ans, du 28/02 au 16/03, quelqu'un pourrait il me dire ce qu'il y a de chouette à faire, à voir avec…
Nous aprtons en croisière le 22/06 sur le MSC PREZIOCA avec 2 ados de 16 ans. Nous envisageons entre autre de faire la vister de TUNIS depuis le port de "La…
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!
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
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!
