Valley of Roses

In May, the Dades Valley turns pink. Damask roses — brought from Persia centuries ago — bloom along the irrigation channels around El-Kelaa M'Gouna. The harvest lasts three weeks; the perfume lasts all year. The Rose Festival in mid-May celebrates the harvest. Distilleries open their doors; the town elects a Rose Queen; buses arrive from across Morocco. Outside festival time, the valley is quieter but the roses remain — in gardens, in products, in the rosewater that flavours local cooking. The distilleries operate year-round, selling rosewater, rose oil, and rose-scented everything. The production process is simple: petals, water, and steam. The quality varies; taste and smell before buying. The best products come from small family operations, not the factories. Best time: May (rose harvest) Allow: Half day Combine with: Dades Gorge and Skoura kasbahs