Shopping in Taroudant
Shopping guidelines on what to buy, where to buy and what to expect to pay.
Taroudant is really famous for artisans who carry on the historic traditions of making silver jewellery, leather goods, brassware, stone carving and much more. Local agricultural products of note include olives, argan oil and saffron.
We encourage you to use our staff to accompany you to find the best prices and trusted traders. Despite what local traders sometimes say to our guests “Come back later without your guide. I’ll give you a better price”, it can often be translated into “I don’t like your guide coming with you because he will ensure you get both a fair price and good quality goods and I usually charge a lot more than other traders.” When buying items like honey, saffron, argan & other oils, spices, carpets and more it is highly recommended that you have with you one of our trusted guides who can judge quality. Beware of “false guides” who are not legally allowed to assist visitors.
| Goods | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo | Stalls near town walls on the road to Agadir. Turn right at the roundabout near the Palais Salam. Mostly a little large to carry , such as mini hammam, or lampshades | From 40 MAD |
| Baskets | ||
| Brass & Copper | Taroudant is said to be the best place in the country to buy hammered copper items. i.e. Brass/copper framed mirrors | Various items from 100 MAD |
| Carpets | Small wool (1m x 40cm approx) Large wool Killims (fine weave, silk) are dearer. Our staff can help you and never take commission from sellers. More harshly coloured chemically-dyed and machine-made carpets are cheaper. | From 500 MAD Around 1200 MAD/square meter |
| Carved stone objects | Simple objects made from local limestone | Various items from 60 MAD |
| Clothing | Jellabas – Long woollen, hooded Kaftans lighter weigh, various fabrics | 250 – 500 MAD The warm ones we sell in the office are a very good price and we donate all profits to charity |
| Food | Is sold at a fixed price. Specially recommended are;- Local olives – black ones have very good flavour but tend to be salty. Olive oil – best bought from Berber village Argan oil – best bought from Cooperative at Tioute Palmery where it is guaranteed unadulterated and organic. There are two types, one for cosmetic use and one for cooking. Figs, Almonds, Walnuts & Dates – in the Berber Souk – can be very good but taste first. Best just after harvest Dec- March) Herbs & Spices – may not be a fixed price. Buy our cook’s freshly ground mix “Rhas Al Hanout”. Buy bulk items such as cumin, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric etc whole or newly ground in the souk | |
| Fossils & Minerals | Stalls near town walls on the road to Agadir. Turn right at roundabout near the Palais Salam and walk for about 1 km – you’ll see it on the right. Mainly excellent quality and very good value compared with UK. Watch out for doctored minerals (silver spray paint onto crystals) or ammonites with the centre carved (only the outer whorl is genuine). All others are usually excellent specimens. | From 60 MAD |
| Leather Goods | Sandals Babouches (leather slippers) | From 90 MAD From 90 MAD |
| Mirrors | Brass/copper framed Camel bone framed | from 90 MAD from 160 MAD |
| Pottery | Tagine dish, undecorated Tagine dish, decorated Plate, decorated Quality varies with source eg Fez is the best; pottery from Safi cheaper but still lovely! | Small 25 MAD Large 70 MAD Small from 130 MAD Large from 170 MAD |