Waiting for Bassou, and those who organized their trip for 8/9/10/11 2014? Don’t forget that the date was set in the journal. Maybe the organizers reconsidered with the criteria of hostel bookings and tourist bus reservations and thought it’d be better to postpone the date? Anyway, that won’t stop me from coming to see you and spending one night instead of three at your place. See you soon
little joke – Hope they don’t send us packing with the ROSES! Happy holiday, and who knows, maybe I’ll be there after all!!!! To see the Rose Queen (laughs)
Insha'Allah! And why not go see the election, huh! My next itinerary was set, but a little detour missed in Ouarzazate has changed things as of today, huh—it happens (laugh). Have a great weekend!
Hi there, I was passing through Agadir last week and saw big posters about the Rose Festival from May 8th to 11th. Now I’m not sure what to think! Since you’re there, I figure you’d know best, of course.
I’m waiting for your confirmation before booking my flight ticket and accommodation.
Thanks!
hi, at first they said the date was May 8–11, but recently they postponed it to May 22–25. If you want to book, you can choose (May 22/23/24 and 25) for the program. The Rose Queen election and the carnival are on Friday evening according to the schedule. Welcome, Brigitte
Thanks Lahcen for the poster—I was able to check out the schedule and saw there are fantasias. After the distillery visit, I think we’ll go see one... if you know where they’re happening or have any info, let me know!
Yes, but the Miss Rose election and the fantasias are on the other date. Personally, I might spend a day or two there, but not more since my little family is waiting for me back home in June! So, budget-wise, it seems more expensive in France, right? By the way, bravo—excellent, really great tips for the Marrakech walk you suggested! Indeed, the Marrakech medina is huge, and it’s tough to explore a big part of it. Hiring a guide for that makes total sense because they take you to the most typical and sought-after spots—it’s clear and precise. Have a great Sunday!
Hi Niico, all the festival activities take place downtown, 1 km away from the distillery.
Hey Lahcen, hope the distillery is going well... searching online with the GPS coordinates for Rosargane, I think your distillery is just past the café/restaurant Almanadir? 100 m further on the right? 1 km before Kelaa...
So Lahcen, is the distilling going well? Are the flowers beautiful? And will there be any left for the moussem? And the festival—is it shaping up nicely? Are the Fantasia still on the program?
Looking forward to reading your reply and meeting you! :-)
Lahcem and Nico!! Hey!! What should I do with my dromedary?? LOL Does the GPS work too?? Lahcem, save me a parking spot because my Bobosse takes up space, and so does its driver haha!! !
Hey Niico, for the moussem the organizers are preparing for the 22nd to the 25th, the fantasia is still on during the festival days. As for the roses, we started distilling on April 16th and we're still distilling now.
Hey there! Haha, okay, 20 MAD for 1 hour, 50 MAD for the day, and 10 MAD for the night!! A guard, please!!! See you soon, you and Nicolas, inshallah! 😊
-- Tuesday, May 20 & Wednesday, May 21
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM: Welcome and registration of participants and exhibitors
-- Thursday, May 22
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Welcome and registration of guests
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Opening ceremony
Official speeches
Presentation of the Festival program
Signing of various partnership agreements
Book signings by local authors
Presentation of Certificates of Merit
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Inauguration of the Rose Salon in its 2nd edition and the Exhibition of Handicrafts and Local Products
Launch of the Children's Fair
Opening of the fine arts exhibition
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Inaugural Roundtable
During the opening roundtable, the theme of this year's edition will be discussed: **"Rural World: Development Constraints and Future Challenges"**
5:00 PM: Inauguration of the Fantasia
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Jemaa El Fna
8:00 PM to 10:30 PM: Opening concert of the Rose Festival featuring National Stars
-- Friday, May 23
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM: Rose Salon
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM: Roundtable No. 2
The 2nd roundtable will cover:
- The preservation of biodiversity and sustainable development through the valorization of aromatic and medicinal plants;
- The potential of aromatic and medicinal plants; possibilities for valorization.
- The cosmetic and pharmacological properties of the Damask Rose
3:00 PM to 5:30 PM: Rose Queen & Carnival
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Fantasia
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Jemaa El Fna
8:00 PM to 10:30 PM: Artistic concert featuring National Stars
-- Saturday, May 24
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM: Rose Salon
9:30 AM to 12:00 PM: Roundtable No. 3
The 3rd roundtable will address the following themes:
· Resistance in the southeast;
· Historical and cultural coexistence in the southeast;
· The role of women in the southeast in decision-making;
· Evaluation of the local Rose.
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Closing Ceremony
Awarding of Rose Prizes and Trophies
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Poetic, musical & spiritual evening
5:30 PM to 6:00 PM: Fantasia
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Jemaa El Fna
8:00 PM to 10:30 PM: Closing concert featuring National Stars
-- Sunday, May 25
9:00 AM to 6:00 PM: Rose Salon
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Jemaa El Fna
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Fantasia
So, if all goes well, we'll visit you around 3:00 PM, then head to the festival for the Fantasias, then stop by the Berber carpet house (near the exit of Boulmane), and after that, we'll head to Arlette's place... I think getting through Kelaa might be a bit tricky with the carnival!
Okay, your private messages... can't they go through the other channel??? = private messages!
And what’s this carnival about??? A Moussem has nothing to do with a carnival!!!
Okay, I see the conversation has gotten a bit personal, and I apologize for that... but beyond that, let’s all take it easy, please! Lahcen is kind enough to share the official program for the ROSE FESTIVAL—there’s a carnival, and well, there’s a carnival... whether you like it or not...
hi Niico, welcome! The fantasia is next to Ksar Kaissar. As for the distillation, we stopped the day before yesterday because the roses are finished, but the distillery is still open. Thanks! We started the distillation on April 15th—it’s a whole month of distillation.
It makes me think I come to this forum for practical information about the regions I visit or would like to visit... not you????? ...and not to find out who’s meeting up with whom where and on what day!!!!!
There’s a private messaging feature for that on this forum!!! Thanks for your kindness and all my respect too!! Mendouga
Hi Lahcen,
I’m following up on the previous messages. I can’t seem to locate the Mosargane distillery, which is right next to the Almadir café-restaurant. Could you tell me exactly where it is? Is it possible to visit it?
Could you also let me know the dates for the Rose Festival and moussem in May?
Have a great day, and thanks so much for your help! 😊
J'aimerais savoir si quelqu'un connaîtrait l'adresse internet ou les coordonnées de l'usine qui distille de la rose et produit l'eau de rose et d'autres…
J'aimerais savoir dans quels genres de commerce je pourrais acheter de l'eau distillée ou déminéralisée au Maroc...C'est pour mon appareil respiratoire…
Bonjour à tous,
Mes préparatifs pour un voyage dans le Haut Atlas au Maroc m'amènent à vous demander:
- Pourquoi plusieurs personnes déconseillent de passer par un organisme international pour une location de voiture? Sauriez vous me dire pourquoi ?
- Booking est sérieux et quelqu'un a t il loué, un véhicule en passant en passant par leurs services? Il y a une différence assez importante de prix avec les agences marocaines .
- Y a t -il une carte routière détaillée dans la voiture?
- Google maps est il suffisant pour circuler dans le Haut Atlas? Ce sera mon 1er voyage en Haut Atlas.
En remerciant tous ceux qui pourront m'aider pour cette destination dont je rêve depuis quelques années.
Bonne soirée à tous
Roberto
hi there, I’m heading to Tunisia 🙂 from April 27 to May 8 with my family. I’ve read through the various discussions about the country, but I’m still a bit unsure🤪: for currency exchange, I saw on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website that withdrawing currency with a bank card from ATMs is limited to 200 TND per week. There are four of us traveling by car, so that might be a bit tight! And it’s a hassle to carry a lot of cash, even if I’m not being paranoid! What do you all recommend?
Cheers,
Laurent.
I was wondering if it’s possible to join a group as a solo traveler with local agencies in Djanet for circuits like Tadrart, Essendilene, Sefar, or Tassili?
If you have any agencies to recommend, I’d love to hear about them.
I didn’t find any info on the forum.
Best,
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
Hi,
This autumn, we’re planning to explore the Oriental region and we’re wondering where the best place to land would be. We’ll have three weeks ahead of us and we’ll be renting a car.
Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks.
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
Hi everyone,
We're leaving in early October 2026 and planning to travel from the Aït Bougmez Valley ("Happy Valley") to Skoura/Ouarzazate via Demnate and the R307/N23 route.
Has anyone taken this road recently? Is it passable with a regular car (non-4x4), or is a 4x4 absolutely necessary? Are there any ongoing construction projects or degraded sections to be aware of?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
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!
May 22–25
