Azrou

Why go

• The cedar forest and its Barbary macaques, minutes from the centre
• The big Tuesday weekly souk, one of the liveliest in the Middle Atlas
• A handy, affordable stop between Fes and the south

The cedar forest

• Gouraud cedar forest

  The famous Gouraud cedar has died, but its huge trunk still stands in the forest. An easy family loop trail starts from the site. Barbary macaques often come close: do not feed them.

• Ifrane National Park

  Azrou lies within this vast park of cedar and holm oak, crossed by tracks and hiking trails.

Things to see

• The rock of Azrou

  The volcanic outcrop that gave the town its name, at the entrance to Azrou; a good landmark for a first walk.

• Craft centre

  Artisan cooperatives where you can watch carved cedar wood and Berber rugs being made.

• The small medina

  A few shopping lanes near the rock, for rugs, wool hats and the feel of a mountain town.

On the map

Things to do

• Visit the Tuesday souk

  A big weekly market about twenty minutes' walk from the centre on the southern road: produce, livestock early in the morning, second-hand goods and grills under tents. Come in the morning with cash.

• Hike among the cedars

  Easy walks around the Gouraud cedar or full days in the national park; wear good shoes, trails can be muddy after rain.

Food

Simple, hearty mountain food: tagines, grills and kebabs, trout from Atlas rivers. On souk day, the tents serve very cheap grilled meals.

Where to stay

• Central Azrou

  Simple hotels and guesthouses near the rock and shops, handy for a one-night stop.

• At the forest edge

  Lodges, inns and campsites around town, in quiet surroundings; a car is useful.

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Day trips

• Ifrane

  Half day

  Morocco's "little Switzerland", about twenty kilometres away, with its parks and mountain lakes.

• Khenifra and the Oum Er-Rbia springs

  Day trip

  South along the N8, through the Middle Atlas forests.

• Fes

  Day trip

  The imperial medina, about 1 h 20 by road.

Getting around

By car: about 83 km and 1 h 20 from Fes, 67 km and 1 h 10 from Meknes. CTM runs coaches from Fes to Azrou (about 1 h 45). Grands taxis also leave from Fes, Meknes and Ifrane. The town sits where the N8 (Fes–Khenifra–Marrakech) meets the N13 (Meknes–Midelt). In winter roads can be snowy: check before you leave.

Budget

Budget

300 MAD≈ 30 €

Mid-range

700 MAD≈ 60 €

Premium

1,600 MAD≈ 150 €

Per person per day, excluding flights. Includes accommodation, food, local transport and visits.

When to go

April to October for hiking and cool air; in winter snow transforms the forest, but roads can be difficult.

Combine with

Ifrane

The "little Switzerland" of the Middle Atlas, with cedars, lakes and winter snow

Fes

The world's largest car-free medina, and Morocco's craft capital

Meknes

Moulay Ismail's imperial city, next to Volubilis

AI-generated illustration

Khenifra

The Oum Er-Rbia springs, Lake Aguelmam Azigza and the cedars of the Middle Atlas, two hours from Beni Mellal

Plans that stop here

No plan goes through this destination yet.

Tips

• Do not feed the macaques: it harms their health, makes them aggressive and is prohibited.
• Plan to pass through on a Tuesday to enjoy the souk, ideally in the morning.
• Bring a warm layer even in summer: evenings are cool at this altitude.