Taroudant

The medina and its ramparts

Taroudant's ramparts date from the 16th century, under the Saadian dynasty, and are among the best-preserved in Morocco. They surround the old city completely, with five main gates: Bab El Kasbah, Bab El Khemis, Bab Sedra, Bab Targhount, and Bab Zorgan. A full ramparts tour by horse-drawn carriage (calèche) takes about 45 minutes and costs 100–150 MAD. On foot, count 1h30. At sunset, the walls turn deep pink — the best time for photos.

Inside, the medina centers on two squares: Place Assarag (the market square) and Place Talmoklate (lively in the evenings). Between them, shaded alleys lead to the souks, mosques (including the Grand Mosque, Jamaâ El Kebir), and restored fondouks now serving as cafés or craft shops.

Souks worth exploring

Unlike Marrakech, Taroudant's souks remain primarily for locals. Vendors approach you calmly, bargaining is expected but relaxed. Three souks especially deserve your time:

• The Berber souk — silver jewelry, rugs, hand-woven textiles by women from the Souss region. Pieces are cheaper than in Marrakech and often more authentic.
• The Arab souk — spices, medicinal herbs, essential oils, and local argan oil (the region is the world center of its production).
• The food souk — fruit, vegetables, olives, honey, and almonds from the Souss. Open daily, especially busy on Thursdays (traditional market day).

5 things to do in Taroudant

1. 1. Ramparts tour by horse-drawn carriage at sunset. The classic, and rightly so. Departures from Place Assarag.
2. 2. Visit an argan cooperative. Several women's cooperatives just outside town produce argan oil traditionally. The visit (free) explains the full process, from nut to bottle. Buy directly — better price than in shops.
3. 3. Jardin de la Mamounia. A discreet botanical garden inside the medina, little known to tourists. Centuries-old palm trees, olives, citrus — a true haven of calm.
4. 4. Day trip to Tioute (palm grove and kasbah). 40 minutes by car: an oasis with a 17th-century kasbah overlooking the palm grove. Half-day excursion.
5. 5. Pottery or cooking workshop. Several workshops offer half-day classes — tajine, pastilla, argan-flour bread. Ask us for recommendations on arrival.

Where to eat well

Taroudant has an honest, affordable food scene. The best tajines come from family-run restaurants around Place Talmoklate (60–100 MAD for a main dish). For something more refined, restored riads in the Kasbah quarter serve courtyard dinners (200–350 MAD). Argan-flour bread, Souss olives, and local almonds accompany almost every meal — buy some at the souk for picnics.

When to go

October through April are the most pleasant months, with temperatures of 18–28°C (64–82°F). Winter (December–February) is mild by day but cool at night — bring a sweater. Spring is especially beautiful, with almond trees in bloom in February–March. Summer (June–September) is very hot — 35–42°C / 95–108°F by day — but evenings are comfortable and the medina stays cool thanks to thick walls.

Our apartments in Taroudant

We offer two apartments in Taroudant: a two-bedroom apartment with rooftop terrace in the quiet residential neighborhood of Mhaita, and a one-bedroom apartment in the very heart of the medina, near the Jamaâ El Kebir mosque. Both are within walking distance of the souk and ramparts.