The ramparts
Rammed-earth walls dotted with towers and bastions encircle the whole medina. They turn golden late in the day.
Excursion · Medina
Taroudant
Taroudant, the little Marrakech with ochre walls
Nearly 7 km of ramparts, souks where locals still do their shopping and a medina on a human scale, an hour from the riad.
65 km, 1h to 1h15
From the riad
Nearly 7 km
Ramparts
October to April
Best time
Souks and crafts
Best for
In the heart of the Souss plain, between the High Atlas and the Anti-Atlas, Taroudant was the first capital of the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century, before Marrakech. Its ochre earth ramparts, among the best preserved in Morocco, earned it the nickname "little Marrakech".
That is where the comparison ends: there are no crowds here. The souks serve the locals first, craftsmen work in plain sight and you circle the walls in a horse-drawn carriage. An authentic day out, easy from the riad.
Things to do in Taroudant
The Arab souk
Near Place Assarag, the main souk brings the craftsmen together: Berber silver jewellery, leather, babouche slippers, rugs and pottery.
A carriage ride around the walls
From Place Assarag, horse-drawn carriages go all the way around the walls in about an hour. Agree on the price before you get in.
The tanneries
Just outside Bab Targhount, sheep, goat and camel hides are still worked in traditional pits.
The city gates
Five historic gates pierce the ramparts, including Bab el-Kasbah, Bab Zorgane and Bab Targhount. Each has its own character.
The Berber souk
At the Jnan Jamaa souk, mostly used by locals, you will find olives, spices, dried fruit and local produce.
When to visit Taroudant
Inland, Taroudant is much hotter than Agadir in summer.
Best time
October to April
Mild, sunny days, perfect for wandering the souks.
Spring
Very pleasant
Gentle temperatures and green countryside around the town.
Summer
Very hot
July and August are hot: set off early and visit in the morning.
Sunday
Weekly souk
The big Sunday morning market is held outside the walls.
Excursion · Medina
Taroudant highlights
Three moments not to miss.
Place Assarag
Heart of the medina
The main square for a mint tea, between the souks, the cafés and the carriage stand.
Bab el-Kasbah
Historic gate
The way into the old kasbah, the fortified quarter of the Saadian sultans.
The Sunday souk
Weekly market
Fruit, vegetables, spices, livestock and second-hand goods, outside the walls.
Getting there
From Riad Asmaa, Taroudant is about 65 km to the east: allow 1h to 1h15 by road. From central Agadir, allow 1h15 to 1h30.
Without a car, shared grand taxis leave from Inezgane for Taroudant. Parking is easy outside the walls, near the gates.
The easiest option for our guests: we arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide.
What to buy in Taroudant
Taroudant is known for Berber silver jewellery, leatherwork (bags, babouches), rugs and argan oil from the region.
Prices are negotiated, always with a smile. Bring cash in dirhams: many small shops do not take cards.
Where to eat
Around Place Assarag and Place Talmoklate, cafés and small restaurants serve tagines, brochettes, salads and mint tea at gentle prices.
Alcohol is rarely served in the medina. For the evening, remember to order dinner at the riad the day before: meals are cooked to order.
On the road: argan trees
The Souss plain is argan country. On the way you may see goats perched in the trees, grazing on the fruit.
Be aware that some scenes are set up for photos in exchange for a tip. For argan oil, choose a women's cooperative.
Around Taroudant
To make a day of it.
Tiout oasis
A palm grove and an old kasbah at the foot of the Anti-Atlas, south-east of Taroudant.
Agadir Oufella Kasbah
Agadir's historic hilltop and its view over the whole bay.
See the excursionParadise Valley
Natural pools and a palm-lined gorge in the Atlas foothills.
See the excursionTaghazout
The surf village on the Atlantic, north of Agadir.
See the excursionTaroudant in pictures
Planning your trip
- Come between October and April, or set off early in the morning in summer.
- On Sunday morning, don't miss the big weekly souk outside the walls.
- Agree on the carriage fare before getting in; the full tour takes about an hour.
- Bring cash in dirhams for the souks and small restaurants.
- Modest clothing is recommended: Taroudant is a traditional town.
- We can arrange the trip with a licensed tourism transport agency, with an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Riad Asmaa from Taroudant?
About 65 km, 1h to 1h15 by road. We can arrange transport from the riad.
How do you get to Taroudant from Agadir?
By car, allow 1h15 to 1h30 from central Agadir. Without a car, grand taxis leave from Inezgane. The riad can also arrange the trip.
Why is Taroudant called little Marrakech?
Because of its ochre earth ramparts and its souks, which recall Marrakech, only calmer and more authentic.
When is the best time to visit Taroudant?
From October to April. Summer is very hot: visit early in the morning.
Which day is the Taroudant souk?
The medina souks are open every day. The big weekly market takes place on Sunday morning, outside the walls.
How long is the carriage ride around the walls?
About an hour for the full tour, from Place Assarag. Agree on the price before setting off.
What should I buy in Taroudant?
Berber silver jewellery, leather goods, babouche slippers, a rug or argan oil from a cooperative.
Is one day enough for Taroudant?
Yes. Half a day covers the medina and the souks; a full day lets you add the carriage ride and the Tiout oasis.
Can Riad Asmaa arrange the excursion?
Yes, with a licensed tourism transport agency and an optional guide. Just mention it in your booking request.
Excursion · Medina
Stay at Riad Asmaa and spend a day in the souks of Taroudant.
Photo credits : Wikimedia Commons. Holger Uwe Schmitt (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Hamza Izourane (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Julian Nyča (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Ben Bender (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Dromedar61 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Jerzy Strzelecki (CC BY 3.0) · Viault (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Camping Aourir from Aourir, Marokko (CC BY-SA 2.0)