kelaat m'gouna
The Valley of the Roses is one of the most beautiful valleys in the south of the country, with its main entrance near a fortified town called Kelaat M' Gouna. The road to this place leads through a clear valley. A valley that fades into ochre, red and pink tones that contrast with the intense green of the fields that surround the wadi. Damask roses are grown in this valley of Moroccan roses. The story goes that this rose was introduced to Morocco a long time ago by pilgrims from Damascus. Hence the name. And another story says that the famous Damascus rose comes from the Valley of the Roses. In any case, in this place, you can not only enjoy the beauty of these roses, but also the products that are derived from them: essences, cosmetics, etc.
WHEN TO GO?
In May, when the rose fields are in full bloom, the Rose Festival is celebrated! It generally begins on the first weekend in May each year. This is the best time to enjoy rural life, admire the colourful souk, enjoy the local traditional music and dance, and the election of the rose queen. During the two months when the roses continue to bloom, the landscape is truly magnificent. On average, a thousand tonnes of flowers are harvested each year. Half of the production is dried and the other half distilled to make rose water or ointment. To obtain one kilo of extract, 4 tonnes of roses are needed.
