La Gazelle d'or

Taroudant

Touradant, in the Souss Valley, between the Grand Atlas and the Anti Atlas mountain chains, is one of Morocco’s oldest cities. Often called “Little Marrakesh”, because of its similarities with the imperial city, Touradant’s setting has an undeniable charm. Like Marrakesh, it has ramparts, which are seven kilometers long, built with traditional earthen clay, which can be visited in a horse drawn carriage to discover the ramparts’ five large doors. Inside the city, the souks are one of the main attractions, and the busy, animated atmosphere rivals that of the Marrakesh medina. There are a great number of regional craftsmen, worthy of the Berber tradition, including tanners, vendors of spices, ceramics, woolen rugs and carpets from the Ouzguita Mountains, as well as jewelry makers and their delicate silver work. The café terraces on Assarag Square begin to fill up at the end of the day and are very popular with the local inhabitants. It’s also in this region that the argan plant grows, and where a number of cooperatives have been created, and where one can learn the secrets behind the production of argan oil, an ingredient in a great many cosmetic products.

The good life

If there is one hotel in Touradant known throughout the world and popular with the world’s VIPs, it’s the famous Gazelle d’Or (Golden Gazelle). In a sumptuous 100-hectare natural décor of magnificently maintained lush vegetation this luxury hotel is ideal for visitors seeking a calm place where they can be in total privacy.

Thirty large cottages receive guests in a sober, very comfortable environment, with equipment worthy of a hotel of this standing. Certain touches of authenticity are present including traditional wood furniture, mosaics and a fireplace which can be very useful on cool evenings. All the cottages have their own terrace so that guests can feel at ease and take advantage of the region’s pleasant climate all year round.

The irreproachable and very discreet staff, in traditional attire, is only too happy to respond to any requests. The very large swimming pool, two tennis courts, fitness room and a stable of horses are all available to guests, as is the tranquility which reigns over this renowned hotel. The treatments and massages proposed at the spa, as well as the hotel’s traditional hammam offer guests intense moments of relaxation. Meals feature local and international dishes using fresh products from the hotel’s organic farm. Breakfast is served on the cottage terrace, lunches at poolside and dinners either in an interior salon or outdoors on the terrace.

This hotel is a particular favorite of the world’s politicians who can spend a quiet, undisturbed vacation here. One of the most faithful guests of the Gazelle d’Or was the former French president, Jacques Chirac.