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Announced in January 2023 , the arrival at the Agadir Marina of the prestigious Hilton hotel brand, under the Double Tree banner , is now taking shape. Work on the development of the luxury complex has just begun in the northern part of the marina buildings, which will be completely transformed. The objective: to revitalize the Agadir Marina, which had a tendency to age badly. The design was entrusted to the renowned studio Wimberly Interiors , which, from Las Vegas to Shanghai, designs "warm and inspiring living spaces, with clean lines and bold style". The Fairmont Taghazout Bay hotel ( photo ) has also benefited from the touch of the designers of this world leader, founded in 1945 in Honolulu, which in this case pays homage to Moroccan craftsmanship, by updating it. The DoubleTree by Hilton Agadir will feature 228 rooms, suites and serviced apartments. It will have four restaurants/lounges, including one with an outdoor terrace, open all day. There will also be a grab and go outlet, four lounges/bars, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a kids' club and a spa. The opening date has not yet been announced. However, it is estimated that the work, which will be extensive, will last at least until 2026.

The construction of the impressive road link intended to connect Tiznit , south of Agadir , to Dakhla , 350 km from Mauritania, is progressing at great strides. The completion rate is announced at 97%. In August 2023 , we estimated that it would be another two years before the full opening of this gigantic 11 billion dirham (€1 billion) project aimed at developing Morocco's southern provinces and confirming the Kingdom's hold over these territories. It has now been revealed that there remain two missing links before the complete realization of this gigantic project worth 11 billion dirhams (one billion euros) intended for the development of the southern provinces of Morocco and to confirm the influence of the Kingdom over these territories. The first missing link is a sector of eight kilometers of expressway the size of a highway intended to bypass Tiznit from the west and thus reach Guelmim by another bypass, the opening of which is announced at the end of this year 2024. The second is the large bridge over the Sakia El Hamra wadi in Laâyoune ( our image ), in order to avoid the center of the capital of the southern provinces, work on which has just begun. This large bridge with a length of 1,700 meters will be the longest in the Kingdom. At a cost of 1.3 billion dirhams (120 million euros), it will reduce travel time, helping to avoid frequent interruptions due to flooding and silting which occur in this sector, particularly at the southern exit of Laâyoune, lined with masses of sand ( our photo ). A first engineering structure 600 m long spanning the Sakia El Hamra wadi was inaugurated in July 2023. However, it leads to the center of Laâyoune. The Laâyoune-Dakhla link is completed, as a two-lane road ( our photo ). It is therefore not an express road with the dimensions of a highway, contrary to what is falsely written here and there. However, it is very smooth, apart from a sector with a rather incomprehensible speed limit, and is sufficient for the relatively limited traffic observed there. North of Laâyoune, you can now drive without interruption on a magnificent four-lane road to Guelmim. Along the Atlantic Ocean, key sections of the bridges overlooking Wadi el Waar ( our photo ) and Wadi Chbika are now open to traffic. These are absolutely remarkable works. The last black spot is on the section under construction which will lead from the west of Tiznit to the Guelmim bypass. The nature of the terrain and the rocks that must be controlled over 8 km south of the communes of Bounaamane and Sidi Ouabdelli , particularly in Ait Ibrahim ( our photo ), present major difficulties. The Ministry of Equipment and Water, however, announces that this work should be completed by the end of 2024. We will therefore soon be able to travel on a much smoother artery ( in black on our map ). The expected opening is important, because it will avoid the complex section located south of Tiznit, which passes through Lakhssas and Bouizakarne ( in red on our map ).

The titanic work to complete the Nationale 1 expressway linking Tiznit to Laâyoune, capital of the southern Saharan provinces, is progressing well ( our photo , taken near Tan-Tan ). But, according to our estimates, based on a recent journey, it will probably be around two years before this strategic road wanted by King Mohammed VI can be considered completed. Back in 2020, we reported that this four-lane road was being built at 100 kilometres per hour . The Minister for Transport at the time, Abdelkader Amara, spoke of completion by the end of 2021. Too optimistic! Where are we today? Although the major complex civil engineering works have been completed, they are not yet open to traffic. This is the case, for example , at the mouth of the oued Chbika , a heavenly site where vehicles still have to use the old bridge ( our photo ). The least advanced section is the 90 km stretch between El Ouatia, after Tan-Tan, and Akhfennir. Some sections are only just beginning to be upgraded to four lanes. Much further on, between Laâyoune and Dakhla , covering just over 500 km, the road has only two lanes, and that's the end of it. But that's not a problem : the road is easy to drive on, especially as traffic is light. At the end of the route, you enter a kite-surfing paradise ( our photo ). This sporting Eden lies on a wide bay, at the very beginning of the long peninsula that ends in the city of Dakhla. From Agadir to Dakhla, the route is 1,175 km long. There's plenty for motoring enthusiasts to do, with two or three overnight stops. The large town of Laâyoune is now flanked at each of its entrances by an impressive 21-metre-high modern gate representing the typical Saharan tent ( our photo ). In this city, we recommend the Parador hotel , which is much better than its Google Maps ranking, which is too often mistrusted. The western exit from Laâyoune is spectacular. The road winds its way between voluminous sand hills (our video), a phenomenon that is repeated further east at the extraordinary Naïla lagoon, part of the Khenifiss National Park . And there's no escaping the unforgettable fishing boat trip that we describe in our page entitled Grand Sud: mer sublime . For a stopover in this region: the Courbine d'argent , at Akhfennir.

Located near the seaside of Agadir, the Al Inbiaât Park has just benefited from a first inauguration, that of its southern part, with an area of some 8 hectares (surrounded by a circle on our map above ). It is a green paradise for pedestrians, athletes, children and the disabled. The largest public garden in the capital of Souss, this park will extend over 24 hectares when it is fully completed. As part of the Urban Development Program launched under the aegis of King Mohammed VI, it will include the Grand Théâtre currently under construction ( on the left, surrounded by a red circle on our map ) This new lung of the seaside town is striking for the quality of its green developments ( our image ) : trees, shrubs, flower beds, vast pedestrian paths, as well as the presence of numerous water jets, benches and pools. It is in addition to the five gardens recently opened or redeveloped. Its beauty, but also its cleanliness amazed the first visitors. May this excellent state continue, while many Moroccans, and some foreigners, stand out for their crass incivility. Let us hope that offenders can be punished. The park is in fact crisscrossed by a network of cameras. Designers have already taken conservative measures. This is why picnics are strictly prohibited ( our photo ). Discipline is the rule. Two-wheelers are excluded. And security is emphasized. Helmets are mandatory for surfers and other roller skaters. Sports fields occupy a considerable area. They are dedicated to football, volleyball and basketball ( our photo ). Training areas have also been planned. Quality structures are intended for bodybuilding. Children are kings at Al Inbiaât park! Many games facilities are intended for them ( our photo ). A generously sized skate park has been set up at the south entrance. It is used by rollerbladers and skateboarders. Adults will also find a space dedicated to playing pétanque. The park is also intended to be open to the disabled ( our photo ). People with reduced mobility are thus offered special accessibility. A gesture of inclusion to be saluted! An ecological concern motivated those responsible. The proportion of palm trees has been reduced to 5% and watering is provided by recycled gray water. The opening which has just taken place will be followed by other stages. The white buildings built to the east of the area open to visitors ( our photo ) will later accommodate 40 restaurants and other businesses. Deckchairs are also announced to give full meaning to this relaxation space. The park is accessed by three pedestrian entrances: from Avenue Hassan II, to the east, from Boulevard Mohammed V to the west and from a newly constructed portico to the south, on Avenue de la Résistance ( our photo ) . Entrance is obviously free, 24 hours a day. Motorists will appreciate the underground parking built inside the park area and which in no way disturbs the harmony of the place. Aziz Akhannouch , president of the urban commune of Agadir and head of government, and Saaïd Amzazi, governor of Souss Massa, inaugurated the first part of the park, this Sunday, July 28 ( our photo ). They will have the opportunity to cut other ribbons when the Inbiaât stadium opens, which hosted the local team's football matches before the construction of the Grand Stade, but also the impressive Media Library overlooking Avenue Hassan II and of course the jewel that will be the future Grand Théâtre d'Agadir.

Unveiled in 2022, the Agadir Tourist Information Center (our photo) has just been inaugurated. The building finally found a place on the seafront, just below the Belvédère garden which has just received a facelift. However, a question arises: will the expected services be up to the standard of the building? This question also applies to the various information points and other interactive terminals set up in the capital of Souss, but also in Taroudant and Tafraout . This baptism took place under the leadership of the president of the city, Aziz Akhannouch, also head of government, and governor Saaïd Amzazi (our photo). This achievement is one of the many objectives of the Urban Development Program transforming Agadir into an extraordinary city. The building also includes an "administrative complex" (on the left in our image) intended to " facilitate various administrative procedures for residents and professionals in the tourism sector". It was delivered to local authorities, auxiliary forces, police and civil protection. Cost of the entire operation: 15 million dirhams (1.4 million euros). Featuring shimmering colors intended to make it a visual landmark (our photo), the new Tourist Information Center aims to be "a welcoming space where tourists can easily access precise information on local attractions, activities, events and transport services". It intends to provide “personalized advice to enable visitors to maximize their experience in Agadir and the surrounding region.” Nice program! Very, very ambitious when you know what level you are starting from In general opinion, the Agadir tourist office (our photo) or what takes its place ... fulfills its function poorly, or even does not fulfill it at all. Quite poorly located, he did not even give a map of the city to his rare visitors, who seemed to bother the employees present... A cultural revolution, in-depth professional training and significant resources are needed to change the situation. The buildings are certainly an important thing (here the information point built at the entrance to Amal Square), their use is another. The coming months will show whether local authorities, particularly those responsible for tourism, are capable of changing the situation. It is not impossible, when we observe the young women and young men responsible for reception at Danialand. Another information point popped up in Taroudant, at Avenue Moulay-Rachid, just before the hospital and the entrance to the Kasbah (our photo ). Like the one in Place Amal, it is not yet served, without information on the opening date being displayed on the door, which would still be the start of a change in attitude towards the customer tourist. Along with a museum, an information point with breathtakingly beautiful architecture was built in Tafraout (our photo). Here too, staff responsiveness will be essential. Interactive information terminals - the first at Agadir airport - are announced throughout the region, as well as a website. Excellent idea, but it is not won when we see the sluggish and not updated state of the site of the municipality of Agadir, and in particular the realization of the Development Program yet at the center of attention!

Nestled in the hollow of the Anti-Atlas mountains, in the center of the triangle Ait Baha, Tafraout and Tiznit , like a mirage, the oasis of Targa n'Touchka surprises the visitor. The road descends steeply, even plunges, towards this palm grove where a small wadi flows ( our photo Gérard Decq ). I t stands out from the mineral and rocky universe that surrounds it by the freshness that reigns there and by its landscapes. This beauty box will benefit from a makeover. The Ministry of Agriculture is preparing to devote 50 million dirhams (5 million euros) to it, for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of its potential. Reachable in just over two hours by road from Agadir ( our Bing map ), Targa n'Touchka is the only oasis in the Province of Chtouka Ait Baha. An unmissable stop on treks organized in the region, it is also a destination for family or friends outings, little known, but worth the trip. The oasis of Targa n’Touchka owes its greenery to three springs. The waters gush from the rocks to the north ( our photo ). They flow into the wadi, then into an irrigation grid. One of these springs is famous for its healing properties. Tradition says that its waters purify the body and eliminate kidney stones. To be taken with all reservations! Under a parasol of hundred-year-old palm trees, the Berbers knew how to tame the sandy soil to make it fertile land. Many fruit trees, including banana trees ( our photo ), give a special cachet to Targa n'Touchka. The ecosystem of the palm grove is fragile and its degradation directly impacts the local population. It is therefore advisable to preserve the premises and not to leave rubbish there. Unfortunately, we see too many! The palm grove looks like a lush labyrinth, with accessible trails. On foot or by mountain bike, visitors ( our photo ) follow the irrigation canals and explore the confines of the oasis. They enjoy the scenery. They discover waterfalls there, under which it is good to cool off. Guided by the breeze, continue the ride. You will surely fall in love with a particular place. Stop there and enjoy the very special calm that emanates from the place, around a well-deserved picnic. Rest and recharge your batteries to continue the adventure. An unusual old building overlooks the valley. It is named Tagenza Ifferd. Its wide corridors and countless rooms are open to tourists. The narrow streets of the Targa n'Touchka douar come alive especially on Sunday, souk day. From this village, we go back to Agadir. You can also reach Tafraout, via Tanalt, in less than two hours.

In Aït Youb , in the Atlas, 1 hour 30 minutes from Taroudant, Franco-British scientists led by researchers from the University of Poitiers discovered trilobites (our image ) petrified in the ash of a volcano ago 515 million years old which revealed anatomical details of exceptional precision, making them the best preserved marine fossils ever found. This major scientific advance, which has just made the cover of the prestigious "Science" magazine, has been described as "marine Pompeii", in reference to the sad fate reserved for the inhabitants of the Roman city after the eruption of Vesuvius, with in its place places human fossils with those of marine arthropods. “Marine Pompeii” is located east of Taroudant (our map). It is reached by Ouled Berhil, then leaving, on the right, the Tizi n'Test road. Calls have been made to include Aït Youb as a World Heritage Site. The discovery made in this small Berber village with authentic charm (our photo) revealed very numerous anatomical details on X-rays, which had never been observed on the millions of other specimens discovered in the world and which did not reach not this level of precision, which allows us to better understand how this species fed. During the volcanic eruption, the tissues were consumed by the intense heat, leaving only cavities in the solidified ashes: the molds of the organisms (our image). Hence the preservation of the smallest details, including the hairs and spines along the appendages. The scientists were able to examine a digestive tract, specialized legs around the mouth and even a labrum, “a fleshy lobe serving as the upper lip in current arthropods”. “New windows should thus open onto the past of our planet,” says Professor Abderrazak El Albani (our photo ), teacher-researcher at the Institute of Chemistry of Media and Materials in Poitiers, who directed the work. The latter had already found fossils in Gabon dating back 2.1 billion years . The discovery of Aït Youb confirms Morocco as an El Dorado for discoveries affecting the planet's past. Agadir can boast of having the beach with the most diverse dinosaur tracks in Anza. Last March, we learned that the phosphates of Sidi Chennane, in the province of Khouribga in the Oulad Abdoun basin, had made it possible to find the fossilized remains of a particularly frightening sea monster (our University of Bath image ) which evolved at the end of the Cretaceous. Also last March, the media announced that British researchers had managed to calculate the height and age of one of the largest and most complex dunes on Earth located at Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga. The Lala Lallia dune (our photo) measures 100 m. in height and was formed 13,000 years ago. These data make it possible to understand the winds that formed it and to unravel the climate of the time. The most important and most spectacular discovery made in Morocco, however, remains that of Jebel Ighoud, the cradle of humanity, whose museum and interpretation center currently under construction will very soon be able to be visited.

A new high-level restaurant has just opened in Temsia, in the environment of the excellent Chems Ayour, an Arab and Berber folk meal evening offered on the road which leads from Agadir to Taroudant. It is called La Réserve and offers an exclusive place to drink, eat and dance. It's chic, it's beautiful and it's expensive, like in Marrakech . The desire to allow Agadir to compete with the ocher city is obvious. This objective is all the clearer as La Réserve is located not far from the Massa restaurant at Domaine Limoune, located in Sidi Boumoussa, and already considered one of the best restaurants in Souss Massa. As shown on our map, these two tables are located a few minutes from the Garden of Stars, one to the east, the other to the west. Taste buds on alert! La Réserve presents itself as an “oasis of gastronomic experience”, trending Mediterranean cuisine, with a Moroccan touch. The drinks menu offers a wide range of cocktails, aperitifs and Moroccan and French wines as well as various spirits. Among the starters: warm fine tomato tart, salmon, crab and avocado mille-feuille, or even revisited Niçoise salad. As for dishes: plate of small stuffed dishes like in Nice, revisited tanjia, and finally pacherri burrata and gamberri rossi as the chef's signature dish. Both maps can be viewed at the bottom of this post. Prices are not shown, except for drinks. To give you an idea, you should know that an “exceptional evening” is offered at 450 dh (42 euros) per person, with entertainment included, provided by a resident DJ (image) and singer Med Yassine. Reservations on 0610 333 337 are essential. Access prohibited to children under 15 years old. Transportation available on request. The choice of the name “La Réserve” is not innocent. In 1953, Agadir saw the opening with great fanfare and by the sea of a high-end restaurant displaying this identity (our image). Created on the bold plans of the architects Duhon & Bassières and associated with the Marhaba hotel of the Paquet group, La Réserve welcomed its first customers at the same time as those of the luxurious hotel Le Saada. Seven years later, these three buildings collapsed during the terrible Agadir earthquake which left some 15,000 to 16,000 people missing. This shows that the name “La Réserve” still evokes painful memories and flamboyant nostalgia today.

The Tesla company installed its first terminals in the parking lot of the Sofitel Thalassa sea and spa in Agadir (our photo ). These illustrate the progression of electric cars in the city of Aziz Akhannouch . We are also seeing more and more of these vehicles circulating in town. The hotel car park is equipped to increase the number of its terminals to make it a site called a supercharger. We can see in our photo the bases of the future terminals. This means that we expect an increase in demand. Contrary to what a contributor on Google Maps says, these terminals are open to any user, and not just hotel guests, day and night (our photo ). In principle, all vehicles can be powered by Tesla terminals, at a price slightly higher than that granted by the American brand to its customers, but which remains very competitive. From Tangier to Agadir, Tesla already has eight electricity supply sites in Morocco. For their part, motorway areas are equipped with terminals which work very well. It is not illogical that the Kingdom is quickly adapting to electric cars when we know the development of solar power, for example in Ouarzazate , and wind power (in our photo above Tangier).

For decades, Agadir has enjoyed the reputation of the most beautiful seaside town in Morocco. The extraordinary transformation underway in the Berber capital is poised to reinforce its sporting importance, but also to give it a strong cultural dimension. How? To the spectacular Grand Théâtre, whose construction work is progressing rapidly, will be added no less than five museums. Two are already in operation, the other three will follow. The Art Museum was the first to open its doors, in April 2023. King Mohammed VI is at the origin of the revival of Agadir, like other cities in Morocco. A superb painting representing him welcomes visitors to the Art Museum (our photo, with the admiring author of these lines). The Art Museum is located in the premises previously occupied by the Amazigh Municipal Museum, at the Aït Souss passage . A link with the Berber dimension is however preserved. Paintings, carpets (our photo), jewelry, porcelain, pottery intersect and complement each other to form a coherent and harmonious whole. The second museum available to the public is none other than the interior of the Kasbah of Agadir Oufella (our photo). An open-air museum! The cable cars which lead to the legendary hill which dominates the city came into operation in July 2022. The intramural course on a wooden deck (our photo ) has been accessible since February 3. The proposed route tells the history of the Kasbah and the alleys that existed before the 1960 earthquake. Absolutely exciting! Exemplary audio guide to recommend. The next museum which should be opened is that of Reconstruction and the memory of Agadir, whose scenography looks very modern (our image ). Located on Avenue du Général Kattani, this place of memory is also a projection into the future. Problem: its opening has been postponed time and again, the last time in September 2023. It is always announced imminent ;-) The fourth museum is under construction, and it will not be the least (our image). Built to the north of the Town Hall and in front of the Wall of Remembrance, the Amazigh Heritage Museum will have permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, an auditorium, a public square, educational workshops, a free access library and an Amazigh restaurant. Cost of the operation: 52 million dirhams (5 million euros). Fifth on this list, the Timitar museum, which means “Signs” in Tachelhit, will have futuristic architecture (our image). Currently being developed, Timitar will have the originality of being located by the sea. A smart location. As a result, tourists will be prevented from sunbathing, idiots! Devoted to the symbols of Berber culture, this cultural attraction will constitute the first stage of the hoped-for circuit of the seven living museums of the South . Five museums? In fact even more so if we consider the excellent Targant Argan Museum, in Taghazout, or the small and informative Anza Dinosaur Museum and the University Meteorite Museum.

Occurring at the end of December 2023, the destruction of the fishing village of Tifnit was felt as a very deep wound. The emotion would perhaps have been less intense, or at least the necessary explanations given, if the authorities had spoken with the population concerned to clarify that this demolition, followed by others, notably that which took place in Sidi Toual, falls within the framework of the preparation, admittedly brutal, for the transformation of the Souss Massa National Park (see above). From Oued Souss, on the edge of the Royal Palace, to the north, at Aglou, to the south, this immense surface area of 33,800 hectares is set to become green and sustainable. The operation is carried out under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism of Fatim-Zahra Ammor, who knows the Agadir region very well for having launched the magnificent Timitar World Music Festival. After emotion, information! The ambition of the Souss Massa National Park transformation project is high. A public-private partnership, which worked well for the Douira seawater desalination station, located precisely at the heart of the Park, is sought after. It requires an investment of 1.576 billion dirhams (approximately 160 million euros), including 200 million dirhams covered by the State. The realization of the project has been entrusted to la Moroccan Tourist Engineering Company (SMIT), public institution responsible for implementing the Kingdom's tourism development strategy (logo above). A private investor had to be sought. According to rumors, which we were unable to obtain confirmation of, it was found and would include Qatari and Emirati capital. We provide this information without any guarantee. According to the planned timetable, the signing of a partnership agreement was to take place during the month of December. This would explain the timing of the demolitions that took place in Tifnit (photo Rachid Aït Sagh) and Sidi Toual, before continuing along the coast of the communes of Inchaden, Sidi Bibi, Massa and Sidi Wassay. Project details? Three or four star hotels will offer nature-oriented accommodation that complements that of Agadir. Accessible by 4x4 or passenger car, "The Blue Safari" will consist of a circuit of nearly 80 km connecting Agadir to the seven sites of the park: Sidi Toual, Tifnit, Douira, Sidi Rbat (our photo), Sidi Wassay, Sidi Bou El Fedai and finally Issourh. All these sites, whose nature is superb, are mentioned on the map published above. This shows the natural resource protection zones, including the Repopulation Park located north of Tifnit, but also the traditional use zones, which occupy the largest areas. Complete in one or more days, this circuit will include numerous stopping points. This is how it will encompass the Parc de repopulation of antelopes, gazelles and ostriches which can already be visited in the form of a mini-safari (our photo). We can observe the countless birds of the south coast of Agadir, for example at the mouth of the oued (river) Massa, including the bald ibis, which has their last colony in the world in the Souss Massa. Villages and beaches will be on the program. The development of the Tifnit site will obviously be particularly closely scrutinized... “Entertainment zones” are announced, without further details. The opening of the renewed Souss Mass National Park is planned for 2025. Ideally... In any case, before 2030, the year of the Football World Cup, the Morocco will be one of the organizers, with Spain and Portugal (our photo).

Some people no longer believed it. But no, the complete transformation of the Valley of the Birds of Agadir will do well! Work has started on the three hectares of the site, as shown in our photo, taken of the new bus parking lot. They were entrusted to the Soulaimani company for various works (SOSOTRAD), based in Témara, south of Rabat. The mandate was awarded by the Souss-Massa Regional Tourist Development Company (SDRT), in charge of the file as part of the Urban development program revolutionizing the profile of Agadir. Six months ago, a first round of funding saw the market be declared unsuccessful. The bidders had not produced the necessary parts, amid disagreement over the price. Based on the very promising principle of zoo-immersion, the project includes four lakes and waterfalls, two large aviaries, one African, the other American, two cafes, as well as lodges for 500 animals encompassing 69 different species. The SOSOTRAD company is preparing to carry out general earthworks, civil engineering and roads. She will then be responsible for building the planned architecture, including a metal frame which will make the walk even more immersive, with the birds moving from tree to tree. Cost of the operation: 82 million dirhams (eight million euros). An essential stop on any visit to Agadir, but dilapidated, the Valley of the Birds is no longer accessible to the public since the beginning of 2021. It was then thought that the rehabilitation work would only last 18 months. The adventures encountered and overcome, however, now allow us to hope that the new Valley of the Birds will take flight at the end of 2024.