Feeling like going on a refreshing adventure before the beautiful days arrive? Head to Errachidia, a fascinating region between the Middle Atlas mountains and the golden dunes of the Sahara. From Midelt to Merzouga, passing through Rissani, this destination reveals a breath-taking cultural and natural richness! And if you feel like extending your stay, head to Ouarzazate to explore its famous kasbahs and landscapes worthy of the greatest films.
1. Breathtaking Landscapes
Morocco is first and foremost a striking blend of landscapes, and Errachidia and its surroundings are no exception with their great diversity of spectacular scenery. The Middle Atlas mountains that border the region unveil grand views, filled with cedar forests and lush valleys dotted with palm trees and olive trees. Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted, especially in the Ziz Gorges or the Toudgha Gorges.
ou the red cliffs seem to close in on a sky of deep blue.
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© Elena Diego
But the highlight of the show is none other than Merzouga, located at the gates of the Sahara. There, the dunes of Erg Chebbi rise like golden and ochre waves as far as the eye can see. Imagine gliding on the sand like skiing, exploring the desert on a quad bike or being swayed by the footsteps of camels before spending an unforgettable night under the stars… Tempting, right?
A detour to Ouarzazate will complete your experience. Located just a few hours from Errachidia, this city, nicknamed “the gateway to the desert,” boasts equally impressive landscapes, such as the Fint oasis and the must-see Aït-Ben-Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. An immersion in Amazigh culture and nomadic traditions
eight: 400;">Morocco is also a mosaic of cultures and ancient traditions, and Errachidia is the perfect starting point to discover Amazigh culture and the nomadic traditions of the region. In Rissani, explore the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Chérif, ancestor of the Alaouite dynasty, or get lost in the alleys of the local souk, a true journey through time.
History lovers won't want to miss the site of Sijilmassa, the ancient prosperous trading city, nor the nomadic culture museums in Erg Chebbi and Tinejdad. If you're lucky, you might even catch a local cultural event, such as the Festival of World Music in Merzouga or the International Date Festival in Erfoud. Lastly, the Lalla Mimouna Spring Museum is a must-visit in the region. This open-air venue showcases fascinating objects like agricultural tools, textiles, and calligraphy tablets, giving you a glimpse into the rich history.e the evolution of life in the desert through the centuries
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© Baali Jawad
On the side of Ouarzazate, the cultural richness unveils itself in both the film studios – where many legendary movies were shot (Gladiator, Babel, Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra, Game of Thrones...) – and in the surrounding traditional villages, which reflect the ancestral life of this region. In Imadri, for example, you can visit cave houses carved right into the rock. Meanwhile, Tamgrout, in the Drâa valley, is home to one of the most famous and oldest Quranic libraries in the country, housing manuscripts that have been preserved for nearly 1000 years.
3. A unique sensory experience
Whether in Errachidia or Ouarzazate, every moment is an invitation to wonder.ng> Lost in the sands, you can admire the highest dunes in Morocco and one of the most beautiful sunrises in the world in Erg Chebbi. With its typical palm grove of Saharan oases, the village of Merzouga is also worth the detour! Imagine yourself by the Dayet Srij lake, a natural site created by the overflow of the nearby Ziz river, where flamingos and storks glide above the waters, creating an almost unreal picture in the heart of the desert.
Finally, at the gates of Ouarzazate, the secluded oasis of Fint will surely amaze you with its lush nature, made up of palms, date palms, and orchards that flourish along the banks of the river that passes through it.
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© Michal Vrba
For food lovers, local specialties will surely delight your taste buds: soft dates, Berber bread baked over an open fire, or fragrant tagines made with local spices… Morocco is full of surprises for you!
4. Unique activities for adventure seekers
For those who are passionate about adventure and thrills, Errachidia and its surroundings are a true playground under the open sky. Besides hiking in the mountains, the region offers unusual activities, such as sandskiing on the dunes of Erg Chebbi, or quad and buggy excursions across the vast desert expanses.
© Javier Sagrista Esteban
For a more peaceful experience, choose a camel ride or a night camping in the mineral desert of Agdz, near Ouarzazate, or the desert of Merzouga. And if you're looking for a unique activity, try sandy baths: this traditional practice, where you're buried for a few minutes in very hot sand, is renowned for its multiple benefits against rheumatism and other joint pains, but it’s also a great way to discover local traditions.
5. Ideal Weather for a Winter Getaway
With mild temperatures and generous sunshine, Errachidia is the perfect destination to escape the winter gloom. Whether it's to explore the mountains, be amazed under a starry sky in the desert, or stroll around Ouarzaz...
azate, the period from February to March is perfect for exploring this region in pleasant conditions, without the intense summer heat.
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© Ignacio Ceballos
How to get to Errachidia and Ouarzazate from Paris ?
Great news : you can easily fly to Errachidia with Transavia. This low-cost airline from Air France offers a direct flight from Paris-Orly starting at 82€ including taxes one way. Direct flights from Paris-Orly to Errachidia operate every Friday at 7:25 AM, with a return on the same day at 10:35 AM. In just 3 hours and 30 minutes, you can leave the dreariness of Paris behind and enjoy a unique getaway mixing nature, culture, and adventure between the Middle Atlas and the dunes of the Sahara. Just remember to check availability before your departure, as this route is operated until March 28, 2025.
If it's Ouarz...azate that has charmed you the most, know that the city is also serviced by Transavia from Paris-Orly. The airline offers 2 flights per week, on Mondays and Fridays, starting at €67 including tax for a one-way ticket and €29 including tax for returns.
