Sahara’s Door, Erfoud
11/05/07 13:25 | Morocco Articles
Erfoud, sometimes referred to as “the door of the Sahara”, was founded as a military outpost to bring the Bedouins in the region under French control in Morocco. Erfoud is now used as a base for tourists wishing to travel onward towards Merzouga, the Ziz Valley and other exotic southern locales.
Located on the Ziz River, it is different than most Moroccan villages. It does not have century-old buildings, but was instead built in the early 1900s by the French as an administrative headquarters. Buildings are made of red sand of the area mixed with lime. The settlement with its high walls and tightly packed houses were constructed as protection from the marauding nomadic tribes.

Erfoud has the usual winding streets and alleyways. Near Erfoud are large palm groves that have been used by travelers for respite. Not far away is the desert and sand dunes of Merzouga. Erfoud has a flourishing marble industry. Marble from this area is red, brown and black.

Written by: Carole Morris
Provided by: Morocco Travel & Tours with Journey Beyond Travel