Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MIDDLE ATLAS
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Ifrane
As foreign tourists head to the medinas for a taste of the 'real' Morocco, Moroccan tourists
find more favour with places like Ifrane. Tidy, ordered and modern, it feels more like
Switzerland relocated to the Middle Atlas than North Africa.
The French built Ifrane in the 1930s, deliberately trying to recreate an alpine-style resort.
It has neat red-roofed houses, blooming flower beds and lake-studded parks, all kept im-
peccably tidy. Many major employers (including the government) maintain apartment com-
plexes here for their vacationing workers, and it's a popular summer day trip for picnickers.
In the winter, the affluent flock here to ski, and hoi polloi come for the pure fun of throw-
ing snowballs at each other. Outside the holiday season, Ifrane's population is boosted by
the rich, trendy students of the town's prestigious Al-Akhawayn University.
The main road from Meknès is called Blvd Mohammed V and it runs through Ifrane
from west to east. This is where you will find the bus station, west of the centre, and the
tourist office, at the intersection with Ave des Tilluels. Most of the cafes and hotels are
clustered in the centre along Rue de la Cascade and Ave de la Poste.
Sights
Al-Akhawayn University
The campus of Al-Akhawayn University is at the northern end of town, and is a squeaky-
clean showcase of Moroccan education. It was founded in 1995 by Morocco's King Hassan
II and King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, and aims to promote tolerance between faiths. For now,
only the rich and beautiful need apply - the car parks are full of flash cars, and the air trills
with the most fashionable of mobile-phone ring tones. Lessons in English are based on the
American system and there are US staff and exchange students. You can wander into the
well-kept grounds - weekday afternoons are the best, as there are plenty of students who
are usually willing to show you around.
UNIVERSITY
Stone Lion
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