The ancient Souss capital resembles its bigger sister because of its beautiful ramparts and its lively and superbly stocked souks.
Just like Marrakech, Taroudant has imposing adobe ramparts, adorned with square towers. A 7km horse-drawn carriage tour around it reveals its five gates, Bab El-Kasba being the main one and the most majestic. The excellent condition of the crenellated fortifications demands respect. Large fruit orchards surround the city. Its medina and its souks are very lively. The profusion of decorative items, jewelry and other antiques is astonishing.
Surrounded by mountains – the Upper Atlas to the north and east and the Anti-Atlas range to the south – Taroudant is at the center of a fertile valley. Perched on a rocky outcrop 30km to the south east, the village of Tiout looks over a palm grove which is reminiscent of the one in Marrakech. The ruins of an ancient kasbah transformed into a restaurant for tourists looks down onto the site. From the top of this outcrop, there is an exceptional view over the Upper Atlas and the Souss valley. Out of interest, Fernandel filmed Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves in this palm grove in 1954.
As well as being specialized in Berber craftsmanship and silver objects, the city of Taroudant is famous for its tannery. This is easy to understand when you visit the tanners’ souk. Around 40 craftsmen work the hides of sheep, goats and other more exotic animals in front of you. On the agricultural side, the area around Amagour, a pretty village located 32km south of Taroudant, is covered in argan trees. Argan oil, used in cosmetics and cooking, is therefore ubiquitous in the region. As is the precious and sought-after saffron, harvested from flowers whose meadows spread around Taliouine and which will enchant you.
