Escape the urban bustle and take the road to the Middle Atlas. Cross the cedar forests of Azrou, enjoy a nature break and discover Ifrane, famous for its alpine architecture and green spaces. With fresh air, mountain scenery and mountain villages, this itinerary is ideal for a restful weekend at nature's pace.
Day-by-day programme
Day 1
Ifrane’s alpine feel and the cedar forest
Morning : leave Fez around 9:00 on the N8 heading south; in Ifrane, a coffee downtown, a photo with the Ifrane Lion, Al Akhawayn University campus and La Prairie park.
Midday : a mountain lunch: Mediterranean cuisine or a local Berber tagine.
Afternoon : a hike under the thousand-year-old cedars near Cèdre Gouraud: take the marked trails rather than staying by the roadside with the macaques.
Evening : a chalet or hotel and a hearty dinner by the fireplace: nights are cool at altitude.
Day 2
Azrou and a scenic return
Morning : Azrou (20 min), climb Ennabre rock for the 360° view over the green-tiled medina, then the Berber carpet cooperatives (Beni Ouarain, Zanafi), often cheaper than in Fez.
Midday : grilled or tagine-cooked trout: the area is famous for its freshwater trout farms.
Afternoon : return via the lakes road (Dayet Aoua, Dayet Ifrah) or stop in Imouzzer Kandar for apples and local honey; back in Fez around 5:30 pm.
Concierge tips
Pack a jacket
At altitude the nights are cool all year round: bring a warm jacket, even in summer.
Stops and rest points
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1
FezStart
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2
Azrou1 h 15 drive · Short stop (2 to 3 h)
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3
Ifrane20 min drive · 1 night recommended
- FezReturn to Fez: 1 h 17
Must-sees
- Azrou's cedar forest and its Barbary macaques
- Ifrane's alpine architecture and gardens
- Azrou’s rock and its 360° view
- Berber carpets from Azrou’s cooperatives
Route map
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