Morocco's Valley of Roses is the stretch of the Dadès region around Kalaat M'Gouna where thousands of damask roses are grown for oil and rosewater. For expats it's a gentle, scenic add-on to a southern road trip — best of all in spring, when the valley is in bloom.
What you're looking at
Between Ouarzazate and the Dadès/Tinghir area, small farms line the river with rose hedges harvested each spring. The petals go into rosewater, oil, and cosmetics sold locally, and the season peaks with the Rose Festival (Moussem des Roses) in Kalaat M'Gouna, usually in May, with music, markets, and processions. Outside bloom season it's quiet, pretty countryside rather than a headline sight.
Visiting as a resident
It's roughly a couple of hours from Ouarzazate by car, easily linked with Dadès Gorge, Skoura, and the road toward Merzouga. A hire car is by far the easiest way; buses reach Kalaat M'Gouna but leave you reliant on local transport. Time it for late April–May to catch the roses and the festival.
Good to know
- Come in April–May for the blooms and the festival; it's low-key otherwise.
- Local co-ops sell genuine rosewater and oil — a good, light souvenir.
- Combine it with Dadès Gorge and Skoura on a southern loop.
- Book ahead around festival dates, when the town fills up.
Related
- Living in Morocco — the full expat guide
- Getting around in Morocco — driving and intercity transport
- Dadès Gorge — the canyon drive next door