Encircled by the imposing castellated stone walls of its ramparts, which are interrupted only by the five grand gates that allow entrance to the town center, this blushing red-ochre city is both citadel and oasis. Taroudant is framed by the white peeks of the High Atlas and surrounded by a small forest of palm trees stretching into the desert.

Taroudant stands on a 10th century locale, which was only later in the 16th century built up into a fortified capital of the Saadians. From here, the desert warriors launched their attacks on the Portugese occupying nearby Agadir.

Today, the sleepy desert town thrives on a seasonal crop harvest of olives, and by trade of locally made handicrafts, wrought iron, copperware, ceramic pottery, leather goods, and woven carpets, all sold in the main souk. Taroudant is a good base for exploring the picturesque Moroccan landscape.