Travel guide
Between bustling souks, hidden riads and the vastness of the desert, Morocco is just a short flight from France, yet offers a total change of scenery.
Quick answer: Plan 6 to 10 days in Morocco, ideally in March-May or September-November. Our starting budget is €500 to €650 per person for 6 days (return flight + accommodation), then roughly €40 to €110 a day on the ground. French travelers do not need a visa for a short tourist stay but must hold a valid passport.
Marrakech's souks and medinaLively lanes, local crafts and Jemaa el-Fna square: a sensory immersion from the moment you arrive.
Authentic riadsSleep in a traditional riad, around a courtyard and fountain, away from the bustle of big hotels.
A trip to the Atlas or the desertBerber valleys, the dunes of Merzouga, or a night under canvas: Morocco is full of breathtaking landscapes.
Hammam and wellnessA traditional hammam session, a must to unwind after days of sightseeing.
Entry requirements, health and safety: check the French foreign ministry’s travel advice before booking.
Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dadès or Todgha valley – Merzouga. Marrakech to Merzouga is about 9 to 10 hours by road: plan at least two overnight stops, then a night in the dunes.
| Expense | Budget | Comfort | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night) | €20 – €40 (simple riad, hostel) | €60 – €120 (charming riad) | €200+ (luxury riad or palace) |
| Meals (per day) | €10 – €20 | €25 – €45 | €70+ |
| Local transport (per day) | €5 – €10 (petits taxis) | €15 – €30 (taxis, transfers) | €60+ (private driver) |
| Sightseeing and excursions (per day) | €10 – €25 (hammam, entry fees) | €30 – €70 (excursions, guides) | €150+ (private experiences) |
| Total 6 days (excluding flights) | €250 – €400 | €900 – €1,200 | €2,500+ |
Indicative estimates per person (double room), excluding flights. Prices vary with season, holidays and riad comfort level.
1. Negotiating at the last minute: Agree the price of a transfer or excursion before setting off; for petits taxis, insist on the meter.
2. Following fake guides: Politely decline unsolicited guides in the medina; book a guide through your riad or an agency.
3. Underestimating distances: Marrakech to Merzouga is about 9 to 10 hours by road. Plan more days or choose Agafay.
4. Going in July-August: Heat is extreme in Marrakech and the desert; prefer spring or autumn.
5. Wearing unsuitable clothing: Cover shoulders and knees out of respect in the medina and religious sites.
6. Forgetting Ramadan: Some restaurants and activities adapt during the day; check the dates before booking.
Not for a short tourist stay, but a valid passport is required. Check the permitted length of stay and validity conditions before leaving.
March to May and September to November are the most pleasant. Summer is very hot in Marrakech and the desert.
6 days are enough for Marrakech, the Atlas and the Agafay desert. For Merzouga and the big dunes, plan 9 to 10 days.
A riad offers authenticity and charm; a hotel (Guéliz, Palmeraie) is more practical with luggage and often has a larger pool.
Yes, it welcomes many travelers every year. Stay alert to solicitations in the souks and check the French foreign ministry’s travel advice before booking.
We advise against it: many riads, taxis and sites do not accept dogs, heat is a risk, and entry formalities must be checked with the authorities.
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Planning your trip
This page provides a starting point for planning. Prices, availability, opening hours, access conditions and local rules can change; confirm these details with providers before booking. Your personalised travel journal is tailored to your dates, budget and priorities.
If you travel with a dog, check pet policies and restrictions for each stop directly. Have a question about the service or spotted something to correct? Contact Amélie.
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