| Ifrane | ||
 | ||
| Salutation | little Switzerland | |
|---|---|---|
| State | Morocco | |
| Region | Middle Atlas | |
| Altitude | 1713 m a.s.l. | |
| Inhabitants | 73 782 (2014 census) | |
| Prefix tel | 212 | |
| POSTAL CODE | 53000 | |
| Time zone | UTC 0 | |
Position
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Ifrane is a city of Morocco.
To know
Ifrane, whose name in language Berber it means Caves, is a city in northern Morocco. Aside from being named the "cleanest city in the world", Ifrane owes its fame to the nickname "Little Switzerland". In fact, its alpine climate, architecture and style are much more reminiscent of Swiss tourist resorts than other cities in Morocco.Although its origins date back to the 5th century BC, the city experienced a real development only during the French government that tried to offer their compatriots a place where they could feel at home while remaining in Morocco. For this reason they developed a whole series of architectural, urban and cultural projects that have shaped Ifrane over time until it became identical to a European town.
After the French domination, the city began, slowly, to adapt to the typical culture of Morocco but the imprint left by the French is still very evident so that today Ifrane has become a much loved tourist destination both by Europeans and by Moroccan citizens of the nearby cities. fascinated by its mixture of alpine elements and traditional Moroccan elements. To top it all, here is also the important university of Al Akhawayn, wanted by the kings of Saudi Arabia and a very important cultural center for all of Morocco.
Geographical notes
Ifrane is located at more than 1700 meters above sea level, on the Middle Atlas range. It therefore enjoys a typically alpine climate, similar to that of Switzerland (hence the nickname "Little Switzerland") and is very popular in the winter months, when covered with snow, it is filled with tourists who compete in ski competitions in one of its many plants.
Background
Ifrane was founded during the French protectorate in 1929 precisely because of its alpine climate, with snow and cold during the winter and cool temperatures in the summer. The city was a sort of summer colony for French families, and was initially designed, according to the taste of the time, following the style of the Alpine villages. A royal palace was also built for Sultan Muhammad ibn Yûsuf. The first public buildings built in the city were a church, a post office and later, a penitentiary, used as a prison camp for enemy soldiers during World War II. Alongside the dwellings occupied by Europeans, dwellings were soon built for Moroccans who worked at the dwellings of the occupants. This area, called Timdiqîn, was separated from the other side of the city by a deep gorge.
After independence the French properties were gradually bought by Moroccan owners. The city developed and was enriched with the construction of a mosque, a municipal market and state-owned housing. At the same time the Timdiqîn area was restructured.
In 1979 Ifrane became the administrative capital of the province of the same name. Here, in 1995 he opened Al Akhawayn University, an English-language university.
How to orient yourself
Ifrane: full screen map.How to get
By plane
Ifrane is served by a 1 Airport, which however only hosts a few charter flights from Casablanca and from London (Gatwick Airport).
By bus
Most buses arrive here from Fez is Meknes, which are the two major cities nearby.
By taxi
The taxi is the safest and most used way to get to the city. A ride from Fez costs an average of 25-30 dirhams (about € 3) per person. So if you want to book a taxi just for you, you will have to pay around 150 dirhams (about € 14). Prices and conditions are roughly the same if you start from Meknes instead of Fez.
- 2 Grand-taxi stop, near the Boulevard Moulay Abdellah.
How to get around
By taxi
In Ifrane there are several taxis (private or managed by companies) that will help you move to the suburbs further away from the center or to the ski slopes. The base price of a ride is 5 dirhams but on average taxi drivers will ask you up to 10 dirhams (about € 1). To visit the center and the university, on the other hand, you can move comfortably on foot given the small size of the city.
What see
- 1 Al Akhawayn University, Hassan II Avenue, ☎ 212 5358 62000. Although the campus is not normally accessible to the non-student public, there are special events and tours organized that will allow you to access this very important public university.
- 2 Center-ville. Center-ville is called the most modern part of the city; here you will find the theater, some characteristic places, the statue with the Lion, the park around the lake and practically most of the attractions of Ifrane that are not connected to skiing or to the university.
- 3 Source Vitel. La Source (or spring in Italian) is made up of a series of waterfalls, some of which are inside the so-called "Ifrane Forest", a large wooded area that marks the northern border of the city.
Events and parties
What to do
Aside from the European architecture, so picturesque in a Moroccan city, Ifrane's real selling point is its magnificent nature. In addition to the unmissable skiing, be sure to take part in an excursion in its surroundings or in the Ifrane forest, a true natural jewel. Renting a horse for an excursion is quite easy in the city or if in doubt you can ask the local tourist office for information about one of the many organized excursions that take place especially in the summer months.
Shopping
How to have fun
Night clubs
There are three main nightlife venues in the city:
- 1 Anglemen.
- Teal.
- Grand hotel.
The first two are famous for being also discos and for their cocktails (quite expensive). They are usually very busy only on weekends when Techno or House DJs are on the program. The much quieter Anglemen is a normal bar-restaurant with occasional live music evenings.
Where to eat
- Skin. The only place that serves pastilla in this area, the Apelle is certainly well above the average of the restaurants in Ifrane.
- Aglemem.
a bit expensive. While the food wouldn't win an international award, this place is popular with college students for its live music events and cheap alcoholic cocktails. - The Paix. about 80 dirhams.
a bit expensive. While the food wouldn't win an international award, this place is popular with college students for its live music events and cheap alcoholic cocktails.- Restaurant Al-Akhawayn. decent prices. Restaurant with excellent local dishes and a good choice of different menus.
- Restaurant Chez Amal. mains 40 dirhams. Here an excellent Kafta-Tajine is prepared, a traditional Moroccan dish based on ground beef, tomato and eggs.
- Chicken Restaurant. mains 25-40 dirhams. Excellent chicken dishes.
Where stay
In Ifrane it is really difficult to find cheap hotels since most of the structures present here are integrated into luxury resorts or are high-level international accommodation facilities. If you are looking for a cheap accommodation you should look for a Azrou, a small town just 15 minutes by taxi (which will cost you less than € 1 each way).
Renting an apartment is also a good idea and usually costs relatively little, around 150 dirhams (€ 14) per day. However, the cleanliness and condition of these buildings are not always reassuring.
If you travel by camper, however, just outside Ifrane is the huge 3 ARZ complex, an equipped and modern construction area for those traveling by camper. Here you will find everything you need, including a nearby petrol station and you can easily reach all the main attractions inside and outside the town.
