Morocco a land of beauty (Ifrane)

 Ifrane is a town and ski resort in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco .

Ifrane is 1665 metres  in elevation and is part of the Meknès-Tafilalet region. In Tamazight, the regional Berber language, "ifran" means caves.

Background  

Developed by the French during the protectorate era for their administration due to its Alpine climate, this Moroccan town has a remarkable European style, as if it were an Alpine village. Because of its elevation, the town experiences snow during the winter months and a cool climate during the summer. Ifrane is also the place where the lowest temperature was ever recorded in Africa, -24 °C in 1935. Animals to be found in the vicinity include the threatened Barbary Macaque. Among the local tree species are the native Atlas cedar, Scrub oak and the introduced London plane.

The first permanent settlement of the area dates to the 16th century, when the Sharif of Sîdî 'Abd al-Salâm established his community in the Tizguit Valley, seven km downstream from the present town. By the mid-17th century the zâwiyah was well enough established to receive an extensive iqtâ'  from the 'Alâwî sultan Mûlây Rashîd b. Muhammad. While the founder's lineage was ethnically Arab, the inhabitants of the village today mostly speak Tamazight.

Visit Morocco the fifty-seventh largest country in the world

The geography of Morocco spans from the Atlantic Ocean, to mountainous areas, to the Sahara desert. Morocco is a Northern African country, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and the annexed Western Sahara. It is one of only three nations  to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.

A large part of Morocco is mountainous. The Atlas Mountains are located mainly in the center and the south of the country. The Rif Mountains are located in the north of the country. Both ranges are mainly inhabited by the Berber people. At, Morocco is the fifty-seventh largest country in the world .

Morroco A historically prominent regional power

 Morocco  to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. The Arabic name al-Mamlakah al-Maghribiyah  and Al-Maghrib''  are commonly used as alternate names.

Morocco has a population of over 33 million and an area of . Its political capital is Rabat, although the largest city is Casablanca; other major cities include Marrakesh, Tangier, Tetouan, Salé, Fes, Agadir, Meknes, Oujda, Kenitra, and Nador. A historically prominent regional power, Morocco has a history of independence not shared by its neighbours. Its distinct culture is a blend of Arab, indigenous Berber, Sub-Saharan African, and European influences.

Ifrane

Situated in the mountains of the Middle Atlas, Ifrane is an oasis of greenery and freshness. Lakes, fountains, the change of scenery, surprising and refreshing.

Upon arrival in Ifrane, is the impression of freshness dominates. Broad avenues, parks, European style villas, you will discover here a little-known facet of North Africa. Sources and lakes abound in this region at the heart of a forest of cedars. The cottages evoke the sloping roof also surprisingly Switzerland. A break of infinite sweetness. Southeast on Highway Azrou, a multitude of extinct volcanoes form the landscape of Ito, rocky horizon at nightfall, reminds many lunar craters.

Source Vittel and waterfalls are an ideal walking goal. Follow the river a few hundred meters and see the forest of maples and poplars that run down the water source. In summer, small rides are proposed to reach the waterfalls.

One of the treasures of Ifrane is its lakes and rivers. At the heart of an unexpected Morocco, you can fish for pike or trout in a completely preserved and unaltered. Regardless of the catch, enjoy the limitless wilderness, forget the stress and observe the oscillations of your cap. The fish will be waiting for you!

Incomparable natural area, the Ifrane region also hunting. Hares, wild boars, partridges, local wildlife flourishes freely in the beautiful forests around the "Little Switzerland" of Morocco. At dawn, accompanied by expert guides you can go on the trail of a bloated and incredibly varied game. An experimental station for the study of animal behavior monitors the resource game carefully and accurately.

Rabat

Ocean, medina and Kasbah Udayas make the heart beat of the Moroccan capital.
The wall of the Andalusians, built of adobe in the seventeenth century, protects the south of the medina. The old town is surprisingly straight course, very different from the usual maze of streets. It can be entered through the Bab El Had where the market is held on Sundays. Here begins the Souika street, the largest and probably the most animated of the medina. It leads to the Grand Mosque and leads to Souk Es Sebat, the shoe market, covered with reed mats and slippers full of hundreds, leather goods and crafts and jewelry in gold and silver. Then came the Rue des Consuls, partially covered by glass, where craftsmen work under your eyes and make thick woolen carpet, cloth and brass. Going up north, we approached the door of the Udayas.
Protected by massive ramparts, medina reflects the soul of the old Almohad city. Souika street and its shops this magnificent carpet, delicate work of coppersmiths, succulent mouth-watering pastries or skewers. Rue des Consuls, so named because it was the residence of the representatives of foreign nations, along elegant homes where artisans practice their art in the eyes of passersby. Tarik El Marsa The street, which runs along the wall of the Andalusians, also offers a comprehensive overview of expertise exercised here for centuries.
Every day at 10:45 precise, it is possible to enter the courtyard of the barracks of the Royal Guard to attend the ceremony of sending color, that is to say, the hoisting of the national flag. Spectacular, too, the changing of the guard on horseback takes place every day at 7 am in front of the Hassan Tower. This is from the esplanade of this tower as cannon shots are fired on the eve of the major religious festivals.
Do not miss the gardens of Sidi Bouknadel, 12 km north of Rabat. 4 acres, exotic plants from around the world have been planted. You can continue this bucolic stroll and picnic in the forest of Mamora among eucalyptus, cork oaks and Aleppo pines other. Back in town, enjoy the new Corniche which starts at Bab Al Bahr, near the kasbah. The banks of the Bouregreg sometimes take on the appearance of French Riviera, especially with the new marina and 350 rings, right bank side Sale. At sunset, the Café Maure of the Kasbah Ouyadas is the best view of the river and Salé.

Morocco the great paradise

Riads, gardens, steam, at Morocco embodies the high well-being at the art of living rank. Today, all major hotels have their own spa or fitness center. Luxury and comfort combine perfectly with the tradition and lifestyle Moroccans. Some of these institutions enjoy a unique setting, as this spa hotel in Tangier, which offers panoramic views of the Strait.

Agadir, Marrakech, Essaouira, Fes, Tangier and Casablanca ... Many destinations offer stays focused on well-being. Agadir and Essaouira, located on the Atlantic coast, offering thalassotherapy. Marrakech remains the ideal destination to enjoy the pleasures of relaxation spa, hot tub or steam room. Fez is distinguished by its proximity to the famous seaside resort Moulay Yacoub, recognized for the quality of its sulphurous waters center. Natural quality products and recognized virtues remain the basis of care.


Everywhere you can indulge in a  Hammam. Place of relaxation and socializing, this is a real institution in Morocco. Often richly decorated, there a relaxing ambience. Black soap scrub, wrap or henna ghasoul, massage with essential oils are among the treatments offered.


deal to experience the magic of a day in the desert and in comfort! An unforgettable experience.
Mountains, deserts, oases and beaches ... In Morocco, nature is everywhere. Moreover, reserves and nature parks are numerous.

Of the thousands of miles of coastline on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, nature is generous. Discover, for example, the park at the mouth of Wadi Souss and Massa near Agadir, which forms an ideal ecosystem to accommodate flamingos, cranes and ibises ... South of Sidi Ifni, the sublime white beach stretches its 50 km of pure beauty. Further south, the bay of Dakhla hosts the last monk seal colony in the world. Near the Mediterranean, the beautiful nature reserve of the Rif, at the mouth of the Moulaya is also a paradise for birds.
Morocco is THE destination for lovers of wildlife and flora.

SAÏDIA: The Glory of the Mediterranean

The blue pearl of Morocco, Saidia, modernized so you can soon enjoy the turquoise Mediterranean, its 14 km beach and a beautiful hinterland.

A beautiful bay, and above 14 km of sandy beach ... Saidia is a new generation of resort that its Moroccan charm. Stroll under the mimosa and eucalyptus trees that line the beach, sunbathe freely and especially dive into the turquoise water that invites you to relax.


Go Discover Oujda, 60 km south of Sidon. Unspoilt and picturesque medina flooded with local handicrafts bazaars and lofty fortifications its kasbah. It's a whole world warm and welcoming you with open arms.

To enter the old Medina, east side, you will cross a large arched doorway flanked by two bastions, Bab Sidi Abdel Wahab. It is said that the severed heads of the rebels were exposed. Glowing at sunset, west of the medina, Bab El Gharbi, one of the three main gates of the medina, is smaller but very charming. Let us tell you about the tumultuous history of this ancient city.