In Taliouine, the saffron town
Taliouine is the small town next to the guesthouse, on the N10 national road, between Ouarzazate and Taroudant. It is well worth half a day.
The saffron cooperatives and the Maison du Safran
In the cooperatives, such as the Souktana cooperative, they show you how saffron is sorted and packaged, let you taste it, and you can buy some. The Maison du Safran (House of Saffron) also presents the spice and how it is grown. Everything to know before you go: Taliouine saffron.
The Glaoui kasbah
On the edge of town stand the earthen walls of a large kasbah, the former residence of the Glaoui, the powerful lords of the Atlas in the early 20th century. Today it is largely in ruins, but its outline is still impressive, and you can see it from far off along the road. Take care near the crumbling walls.
The Monday souk
Every Monday, Taliouine holds its weekly souk. Fruit and vegetables, spices, saffron from small producers, rugs, baskets and pottery: it is a great chance to see the life of the region. Come in the morning.
Around the guesthouse
Tagmoute village
Before going further afield, wander around the village: alleys between rammed-earth houses, the communal granary, the marabout (shrine) of Lalla Myriam and, if you like, a meeting with the village association. It is all explained on our page Tagmoute village.
The Tislit gorges
About thirty kilometres from Taliouine, towards Taznakht, the Tislit gorges make a beautiful walk. A track runs from Assaïs to the small village of Tislit, which overlooks the entrance to the gorges. You then walk down along the wadi and the irrigation channels, between gardens and palm trees, to the great rock pinnacles that frame the riverbed. Wear good shoes: you sometimes walk in the bed of the wadi.
The communal granaries of Tizgui
Tizgui is a village clinging to the mountainside, at around 1,700 m. Its communal granary, an agadir (plural igoudar), is perched halfway up the cliff. In the past, each family kept its harvest and belongings there in its own locked store room: it was the village bank. You visit it with a villager who holds the key. The Tislit gorges and Tizgui can be combined in the same day: ask Houcine how to organise it.
The great cliff and its eagles
South-west of Tagmoute, a great cliff towers over the valley. You walk along the foot of it, then come back over the plateau. With a little patience, you can watch golden eagles and many other birds that nest in the rock face.
The guesthouse farm and pool
For a quiet day, especially with children: a visit to the guesthouse farm (sheep, rabbits, vegetable garden), then a sun lounger by the pool, facing the mountains.
In the Siroua massif
The guesthouse is at the foot of Jebel Siroua, an ancient volcano that rises to 3,304 m. With a local guide, you can set off for a half day, a full day, a trek of several days or the climb to the summit. Options, seasons, fitness level and gear: see our page Siroua trek and hiking.
Season by season
- In autumn: the saffron harvest, roughly from mid-October to mid-November, and the saffron festival in Taliouine, usually in November (2026 dates to be confirmed).
- In spring and autumn: the best seasons for walking.
- In summer: outings early in the morning, and a rest in the shade during the hottest hours.
- All year round: ask Houcine whether there is a village celebration during your stay. With a bit of luck, you will see the ahwach, the Berber group dance, set to the rhythm of bendir drums and singing. For moussems, village festivities and festivals announced in the area, see our page festivals and events around Taliouine.
Good to know
For trips further afield, ask Houcine how to get there (car, guide, transport) and how much time to allow. To get to the guesthouse, see the Getting here page.