Ifrane and Azrou: Morocco's Little Switzerland
Less than an hour from Fes, the Middle Atlas shows a completely different side of Morocco: steep-roofed chalets, centuries-old cedar forests and wild Barbary macaques. Ifrane, nicknamed "Little Switzerland," and the Azrou cedar forest make for the most unexpected day trip from the imperial cities.
A day trip to Ifrane and Azrou from Fes costs between 17 and 18 EUR per person and takes a full day (7 hours or more with transfer). The 17 EUR option focuses on Ifrane National Park, its alpine architecture and tea in a cave with a local family; the 18 EUR option adds the Azrou cedar forest, home to wild Barbary macaques. Ifrane was built by French colonial authorities in the 1930s and looks like an alpine village, with steep red roofs and its famous Stone Lion — a striking contrast to the rest of Morocco. The cedar forest holds centuries-old Atlas cedars and macaques that approach visitors without fear. Book an option with free cancellation and pack warm clothes, even in summer, since the altitude noticeably cools the climate.
Ifrane alone or the Azrou cedar forest too?
Two neighboring trips, two different moods:
- Ifrane only: the alpine village, its national park and 1930s European architecture — the shorter, more accessible option.
- Azrou cedar forest: adds the cedar forest and its macaque population, for a more nature-focused, longer trip.
Compare the best day trips
| Trip | Duration | Price | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle Atlas and Ifrane National Park | 7h | 17 EUR | 4.6/5 | 987 |
| Middle Atlas and monkey forest | Full day | 18 EUR | 4.4/5 | 602 |
Price per person, transfer from Fes included. Check the cancellation terms on each activity's page before booking.
See all Ifrane and Azrou day trips· GetYourGuide
How the day trip works
- Pickup from your hotel or riad in Fes, in the morning
- Stop in Immouzer du Kandar, a mountain village, for tea with a local family in a cave or traditional home
- Ifrane: explore the alpine architecture, flower gardens and the Stone Lion, the city's symbol
- Azrou cedar forest (depending on the option): a walk among centuries-old cedars to spot the Barbary macaques
- Return to Fes in the late afternoon
Why Ifrane is nicknamed Little Switzerland
Ifrane was built in the 1930s by French protectorate authorities, who set out to recreate an alpine mountain resort: chalets with steep red roofs, clean tree-lined streets, and a cool climate year-round thanks to its altitude (roughly 1,650m). The contrast with the medinas and souks found elsewhere in the country is total, making it a highly photogenic and often surprising day trip for travelers.
Extending the trip
For travelers who want to explore the Middle Atlas further or combine this day trip with discovering Fes itself, our what to do in Fes guide and our Fes medina and tanneries guided tour round out a stay in the region perfectly.
FAQ — Ifrane and Azrou
How much does a day trip to Ifrane and Azrou from Fes cost?
Why is Ifrane nicknamed Morocco's Little Switzerland?
Can you see wild monkeys at Azrou?
How long does the day trip take?
Do you need warm clothes for this day trip?
Bottom line
For your Middle Atlas day trip:
- Quick discovery → the Ifrane-only option at 17 EUR, alpine architecture and the Stone Lion.
- Full nature experience → the option with the Azrou cedar forest at 18 EUR, macaques included.
- Either way → pack a jacket and keep your distance from the macaques.
