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An update from Evaneos
vallée des Roses

vallée des Roses (Morocco)

Practical information on vallée des Roses

  • Encounters with locals
  • Viewpoint
  • Countryside
  • River
  • Culture (paddy field, coffee, tea ...)
  • Festivals
4 / 5 - 3 reviews
How to get there
3 hours and 30 minutes from Marrakech by bus
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
2 to 3 days

Reviews of vallée des Roses

Timothée D. Seasoned Traveller
285 written opinions

The valley of roses, the name given to the Dadès valley due to the many rosebushes dotted around the surroundings of the wadi, is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Morocco.

My suggestion:
During the month of May, when the roses are harvested, the traditional rose festival (moussem) begins, with its many celebrations and concerts, and everywhere, the beautiful scent of rose petals.
My review

As you enter the valley, you'll be met with absolutely incredible views of arid scenery, rocks and mountains in ocre and pink. In contrast to these sights, you'll see the Dadès wadi, where all kinds of lush vegetation grows: palm trees, date trees and...roses. This is because a variety of roses was introduced here with the aim of driving away goats. Today, these roses have given their name to the valley and have become one of the big players in the local economy. A giant industry has been established in the area, producing rosewater, perfumes and cosmetics.

The roses aside, I was very impressed by the numerous traditional Berber villages, where every hut is made completely out of earth, which are scattered through the area and lend it a pastoral charm. All the more so as the region offers numerous beautiful walks during your stay in Morocco.

The view over the valley of roses
Seasoned Traveller
129 written opinions

The valley of the Dadès wadi is today called the valley of roses by tourists, a romantic name, but one which doesn't necessarily describe that well what you'll actually see.

My suggestion:
The festival of roses takes place on the first weekend of May. It's worth seeing if you're lucky enough to be there at that time of year, with its songs and Berber dances.
My review

At the foot of the Moroccan Grand Atlas Mountains you'll find strikingly beautiful scenery. This time, I discovered this region of Morocco by coach, which allowed me to take in this enchanting setting. All the same, I didn't have the chance to see any roses, because I didn't end up in the valley of roses in the right season.

As it turns out, roses are cultivated in certain specific regions, and only at certain times of year. For example, one of these zones can be found near the village of Kelaat M'Gouna and stretches to the village of Boumalne Dadès, covering a total of around 20 km.

However, even if you can't enjoy the roses the whole way, the valley itself offers some pretty splendid views, with a wadi at its centre, a river nourishing the dried, reddened earth and transforming it into a verdant oasis.

The view over Kelaat M'Gouna
Latéfa Faïz Seasoned Traveller
114 written opinions

Situated in the Valley of Dades, the Valley of the Roses stretches for 30 kilometres from the village of El-Kelaâ M'Gouna to the village of Boutharar, at the foot of the Atlas.

My suggestion:
If you wish to see the production of rose water, visit the distillery of the Rose Kasbah at Hdida, 7 kilometres from El-Kelaâ M'Gouna.
My review

In the village of El-Kelaâ-M-Gouna, the cultivation of roses is dominant, a tradition in the south and somewhere to discover during your stay in Morocco.

In May, women and children gather the famous Damask Rose. It is said that it was brought from Mecca by the Berber pilgrims. I was captivated by its delicate perfume, a true ode to beauty. I recommend the rose water to you from the stalls in the souks. A little fact, tons of roses from the valley are exported to Grasse in France for the manufacture of perfumes.

Once the roses have been gathered, a festival takes place in the valley. A colourful celebration: the villagers throw rose petals on the dancers, while children sell garlands of roses to the spectators.

View over Kella M'Gouna