Fez and the Middle Atlas
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Fez and the Middle Atlas - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Bhalil
The small Amazigh village of Bhalil, an off-the-beaten-track gem around 5 km (3 miles) from Sefrou, is built across a hillside, with picturesque pastel-color houses that line the narrow, winding streets. The houses may appear conventional from the outside, but step inside and you’ll discover that many of them are built into the rock face. This design keeps out the scorching summer heat as well as the icy winter chill, and Bhalil’s modern-day troglodytes normally use the cave as a living and dining space. This tranquil village is set at the foot of Djebel Kandar, and it makes a good base for walking, from leisurely rambles to more strenuous all-day hikes. You'll often find the women of Bhalil sitting outside their houses sewing intricate djellaba buttons.
Bhalil, Fez-Meknès, Morocco -
2. Cèdre Gouraud Forest
Southeast of town, Azrou's cedar forest is a source of great pride throughout the country, with Moroccan cedars, some more than 400 years old, that grow to heights of close to 200 feet and cover some 320,000 acres on the slopes of the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas, and the Rif at altitudes between 3,940 and 9,200 feet. Cedar is much coveted by woodworkers, particularly makers of stringed musical instruments. Living among the enormous cedars to the south of Azrou are troops of bold Barbary macaques and birdlife ranging from the redheaded Moroccan woodpecker to owls and eagles. Flora include the large-leaf peony, the scarlet dianthus, and the blue germander, all of which attract butterflies, including the cardinal and the colorful sulfur Cleopatra. You can pick up information and maps of the forest showing trails and hikes at the Ifrane Tourist Office, a 25-minute drive away.
Azrou, Fez-Meknès, Morocco -
3. Grand Mosque
With its perforated cupola, the Grand Mosque is a historically significant UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the 12th century, the mosque, founded by Sultan Abd el-Moumen, is possibly the oldest Almohad structure in existence and believed to predate the mosque at Tin Mal. Of architectural importance are the mosque's inscribed three-ton chandelier and intricately designed windows and doorways. Entrance to the mosque is restricted to Muslims only.
Taza, Fez-Meknès, Morocco -
4. Kef el-Moumen
During the town's famous Cherry Festival, a procession ventures across the Aggai River to the Kef el-Moumen cave containing the prophet Daniel's tomb, a pilgrimage venerated by Jews and Muslims alike. According to legend, seven followers of Daniel slept here for centuries before miraculously resuscitating.
Sefrou, Fez-Meknès, MoroccoSight Details
Rate Includes: Festival dates vary depending on Ramadan; in 2017 it was held in July -
5. Lalla Rekia
West of Sefrou is the ancient fountain of Lalla Rekia, believed to contain miraculous holy water to cure mental illness. Some visitors still bring jugs to the spring to carry away alleged healing benefits from the fount's source. The area is best accessed by rental car or taxi, as public transportation in the area is limited.
Sefrou, Fez-Meknès, Morocco -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Lycée Tarik Ibn Ziad
Seeing a Berber nucleus, the French established the Collège Berbère here in an attempt to train an elite Berber opposition to the urban Arab ruling class; both Arabic and Islam were prohibited. After independence, the movement faded. The Berber college became an Arabic school and was renamed the Lycée Tarik Ibn Ziad. It now teaches a progressive curriculum and hosts international exchange students.
Bd. Prince Heritier Sidi Mohammed, Azrou, Fez-Meknès, Morocco0535-56–24–16 -
7. Souks
Set around the Mosquée du Marché, or Market Mosque, Taza's untouristy souks and the covered stalls of the kissaria are worth exploring. Look out for the shaggy cream-wool rugs with black geometric markings made by the Beni Ourain tribe.
Taza, Fez-Meknès, Morocco
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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