What to see in Taroudant: a guide to the red-walled city

Taroudant is a walled town in the Souss valley, ringed by roughly 7.5 km of ochre-red pisé ramparts — among the best preserved in Morocco. Unlike Marrakech, traffic here is calm and most distances are an easy walk or a short drive.

Walking or driving the ramparts is usually the first thing visitors do — the light is especially good in the late afternoon, when the pisé takes on a deeper red tone. Several historic gates (bab) punctuate the walls, including Bab Zorgane and Bab Oulad Nehar.

The town has two main souks: the Arab souk for everyday goods and food, and the Berber souk, known for silverwork, jewelry, and leather. The atmosphere feels more local and less touristy than the country's larger medinas.

Palais Salam, the former residence of pasha Thami El Glaoui, is now a hotel — its gardens and courtyards are still open for a mint tea.

About 14 km south, the Tiout oasis has a palm grove and a kasbah overlooking the valley — an easy half-day trip if you have a car.

The town center is mostly walkable, but a car becomes useful the moment you want to head out to Tiout, the Anti-Atlas, or the Agadir coast — exactly the kind of trip we prepare our vehicles for at Car M'Chick.