The Valley of Roses stretches along the Dades Valley around the town of El Kelaâ M'Gouna (Kelaat M'Gouna) in Morocco's Tinghir Province, where thousands of kilometres of Damask rose (Rosa damascena) hedges perfume the oasis. Introduced in the early 20th century, the roses are hand-picked at dawn over a few weeks from mid-April into May, then steam-distilled in copper stills into prized rose water and rose oil — so precious that it takes several tonnes of petals to yield a single litre of essential oil. Each May the town hosts the Rose Festival (Moussem des Roses), held since 1962, with parades, craft souks and the crowning of a 'Rose Queen'. In 2026 the valley remains a working agricultural region best experienced during the spring bloom; outside that window it is a quiet Berber oasis and a gateway to the M'Goun massif and Dades Gorges.
Endless Damask rose hedgerows (roughly 4,200 km of them) winding through the Dades oasis — fragrant and in full bloom from mid-April into May
Tours of the women's cooperatives and distilleries (Bioarome is the best known) that steam-distil rose water and rose oil in traditional copper alembics
The Rose Festival, held every May since 1962, with its parades and a 'Rose Queen' in traditional Amazigh (Berber) dress
Red-earth kasbahs and mudbrick village scenery set against sandstone cliffs and palm groves
A trailhead for the M'Goun massif (up to 4,071 m) and the neighbouring Dades Gorges, ideal for multi-day Amazigh-valley treks
Good to know
SeasonThe bloom and harvest last only a few short weeks from mid-April to mid-May. Come in this window to see and smell the roses; at other times the valley is just green bushes.
SeasonBloom and festival timing shifts year to year with the weather. Confirm the 2026 festival dates and bloom status with the Moroccan tourism office (ONMT) or local sources before you travel.
CautionSome distilleries and stalls inflate prices for rose water and oil or push low-purity products. Negotiate, check labels and purity, and buy from established cooperatives.
MannersAlways ask before photographing local women harvesting roses or villagers, and dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) in this conservative rural Muslim area.
RulesLodging in Kelaat M'Gouna sells out fast during the festival. Consider staying in nearby Skoura or Ouarzazate, book ahead, and reserve CTM bus seats in advance.
SafetyTreks into the M'Goun massif and Dades Gorges need a local guide, plenty of water and sun protection. Summers bring midday heat and big day-night temperature swings; drive mountain roads with care.
Practical info
The town sits on the N10 highway about 85 km east of Ouarzazate (roughly 1.5 hours by car) and is reachable by CTM bus or grand taxi from Ouarzazate and Marrakech. You can pass through year-round, but the rose fields and festival are strictly a spring (April–May) affair, and distillery visits are free or charge a small fee. Always verify the 2026 festival dates and distillery opening hours and prices with the tourism office or local sources.
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