Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP OF CHAPTER
Taliouine
POP 6000
The straggling village of Taliouine, halfway between Taroudannt and Ouarzazate, is domin-
ated by hills and the impressive Glaoui kasbah.
Taliouine is the African centre of
l'or rouge
(red gold) - saffron, the world's most ex-
pensive spice. Numerous shops and boutiques sell it here for about Dh35 to Dh40 per
gram. The purple
Crocus sativus
flower, from which the spice comes, grows only above
1200m. It flowers between mid-October and mid-November, when a festival is held to cel-
ebrate the harvest and you can see locals picking the flowers around villages 12km east of
Taliouine.
Beware 'counterfeit saffron'; the genuine article should stain your fingers yellow (rather
than red), taste bitter (rather than sweet) and carry a spicy price tag.
The village comes to life during the Monday souq, near Auberge le Safran.
Sights & Activities
as through accommodation. The Swiss-Moroccan company specialises in trekking, but it
organises a range of cultural tours and activities including star-gazing, skiing and medita-
tion, catering to people and families of all ages.
Coopérative Souktana
du Safran
( 0528 53 44 52;
www.souktanadusafran.org
; 8.30am-6.30pm)
Founded in 1979, the largest
and oldest of Taliouine's saffron cooperatives has 160 members (four are women). The
centre is well worth visiting for the museum, calligrapher and informative employees. They
can explain saffron production, give you a tasting and sell you the spice, plus related
products including chocolates, cosmetics and calligraphy ink.
MUSEUM
Dar Azaafaran
MUSEUM
