Often referred to as the Marrakech of 50 years ago, this traditional Berber market town offers a much less visited and more laid back option than some of the other cities.

With its majestic gold, pink and orange tinted circuit of high walls, Taroudant is half citadel and half oasis. It is a town of great charm and grace. The ruddy, clay houses, minarets and groves of oranges and pomegranates seem to drowse beneath the gaze of the frosted High Atlas to the north and the Anti-Atlas to the south.

The walls, the souks and the stark backdrop of the High Atlas are the towns main attractions and the best way to see the town is by horse-drawn carriage especially at dusk. The souks are not large but they are varied and there is a strong tradition of local craft and much of the work here is of outstanding quality.