Ouarzazate is where ancient kasbahs, sunbaked streets, and golden hills create a timeless desert escape. It’s the gateway to many of Morocco’s southern wonders. Renting a car in Morocco gives you the freedom to enjoy every turn, town, and kasbah on your schedule. You can skip group tours, set your pace, and stop wherever catches your eye. Our Ouarzazate travel guide covers why French travelers will love Ouarzazate, how to reach it, what to do, and the best time to visit.
Here are reasons why Ouarzazate is worth exploring:
Here’s how to reach Ouarzazate by car from major Moroccan cities. These three starting points offer scenic drives with varying distances and travel times.
The drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate covers 193 km and takes about 4 hours. It’s the most popular route, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, you’ll see winding roads, snow-capped peaks in winter, and small Berber villages with roadside stalls selling local crafts and argan oil.
This route is about 345 km and takes around 5 hours. The road starts in the mountains and moves toward desert landscapes. As you head south, you’ll pass Taliouine, a town famous for its saffron farms, and see how the scenery changes from green hills to rocky, dry terrain.
The drive from Casablanca to Ouarzazate is about 430 km, taking roughly 6 hours. It’s less crowded than other routes and passes through Beni Mellal and Oulad Berhil, where you can stop for tea or a quick meal. Expect a more local, peaceful drive through farmlands and smaller towns.
You’ll find unique landmarks, filming locations, and natural escapes in and around Ouarzazate. Here are the top sites French tourists should not miss:
Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar, is a maze of sun-dried clay buildings, narrow alleys, and centuries-old architecture that feels untouched by time. Walking through the village, you'll see details like carved wooden doors, decorative arches, and uneven stone paths that speak to the area’s Berber roots.
Climb to the granary at the top of the hill for views of the Ounila Valley and its palm-lined riverbanks. It’s stunning in the early morning or just before sunset. Pause at the small local museums scattered through the village. These homes turned exhibits showcase traditional tools, ceramics, and photos of Aït Benhaddou’s filming history. Some even explain ancient irrigation systems and the ksar’s strategic role in trade caravans.
Atlas Film Studios is a must-visit for movie lovers. Known as the world’s largest film studio by area, it has been the backdrop for major international films like The Mummy, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and even parts of Game of Thrones. What makes this site special is that it’s not just a museum. You can walk through full-scale film sets that were once used in actual scenes.
Expect to see massive recreations of ancient Egyptian temples, biblical towns, and desert fortresses, all scattered across the open-air studio lot. Some sets have weathered naturally over time. Guided tours explain how certain scenes were filmed. There are also indoor exhibits showing production photos and behind-the-scenes facts about famous movies shot in Morocco.
The studio is very family-friendly. Kids can explore the giant statues, palace gates, and mock battlefields while adults appreciate the cinematic history. The sets are outdoors, so it’s best to visit earlier in the day before the sun gets too strong.
Taourirt Kasbah is one of Ouarzazate’s most important landmarks. This 19th-century fortress once belonged to the influential El Glaoui family, which held power in southern Morocco and was closely allied with the French during the colonial era. It’s a sprawling complex with more than 300 rooms, hidden staircases, and interconnected corridors.
The interior has mudbrick walls, cedar wood ceilings, and decorative plasterwork. Some rooms still have painted motifs and colored tiles that show the luxury once enjoyed here. It’s easy to get lost in the maze-like structure, which was built to keep out the desert heat and protect from attacks. From the upper floors, you’ll get views of the city and the surrounding mountains. There’s also a small museum with exhibits on traditional Berber life and local crafts.
Driving through the Draa Valley is one of southern Morocco's most scenic and rewarding routes. This lush valley stretches from Ouarzazate toward the Sahara, tracing the path of the Draa River as it winds through palm groves, clay villages, and ancient ksars. The drive offers desert views broken up by bursts of greenery where the river runs.
One of the first major stops is Agdz, a small town known for its vast date palm groves. It’s a great place to take a break, walk through shaded gardens, or visit a local market. Further along, the road leads to Tamegroute, a desert town with two standout features.
The first is its famous green-glazed pottery, crafted using traditional methods passed down for generations. The second is the ancient Quranic library, which holds rare manuscripts and books dating back hundreds of years. The valley is also dotted with fortified villages (ksars) that rise out of the landscape like sandcastles. Many are still inhabited, and you’ll often see locals tending to gardens or guiding donkeys along narrow paths.
Fint Oasis is a hidden gem about 15 kilometers from Ouarzazate. Nestled in a valley between rugged cliffs, this green stretch comprises palm groves, flowing streams, and small Berber farms. The oasis is home to a few Berber families who have lived off the land for generations.
You’ll see traditional mudbrick homes, small gardens, and children playing by the water. Getting there requires patience, with rocky roads and unpaved in parts, but a standard rental car can handle it with slow, careful driving. The final views of the green valley surrounded by red cliffs make the bumpy ride worth it. Fint Oasis isn’t crowded, so it’s the perfect stop if you’re looking to experience nature close to the city.
The best time for an Ouarzazate road trip is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months bring mild temperatures, clear skies, and comfortable weather for sightseeing and driving. The valleys are greener in spring, and the air is fresh after winter rains. It’s a great time to visit places like Fint Oasis or take long drives through the Draa Valley without overheating.
Autumn is just as pleasant, with warm days and cooler evenings. The sun is still intense but not harsh, so it's easier to explore Aït Benhaddou, Taourirt Kasbah, and the open-air sets at Atlas Studios. These seasons also have fewer crowds than summer.
Winter (December to February) is also possible, but it gets cold at night, especially in the mountains. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures often above 40°C, so outdoor activities can be uncomfortable during the day. For the best road conditions and scenic views, plan your trip for early spring or late autumn. You’ll get great light for photos and drive easily through Morocco’s most cinematic landscapes.
If you’re looking for a stay that mixes comfort with Moroccan charm, Riad Chay & Boutique is a great pick. It’s only 18 minutes from Taourirt Kasbah. The riad offers free parking, which makes day trips super convenient. Atlas Studios is just 20 minutes away from here. Nearby, Riad Ouarzazate in Tajda is 10 minutes from the city center. It’s perfect if you want to explore the markets or grab dinner after a day of sightseeing. You’ll be close to everything without dealing with heavy foot traffic.
Tin Joseph sits in a calm residential area, just a 2-minute drive from Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ). The rooms are decorated with Berber and African-inspired pieces. It’s a quiet place to relax, but still close to the main road for day trips to Aït Benhaddou or the Draa Valley. If you want to stay close to nature, Bab El Oued Maroc Ecolodge offers a peaceful desert escape near Agdz. It’s about 40 km from Ouarzazate with restaurant, lodging, pool, and a garden.
Ouarzazate offers a relaxed way to explore Morocco’s history, nature, and desert views without the stress of big-city crowds. For French travelers in Morocco, it’s one of the easiest regions to navigate. The language is familiar, and the roads are clear and scenic. Renting a car with Finalrentals is the best way to enjoy the journey at your pace. We offer easy booking online, affordable rates, and multiple pick-up locations in major cities including Marrakech and Casablanca.
