kELAAT m'GOUNA

When most people hear about Ouarzazate they immediately picture sand as far as you can see, along with sand-coloured buildings and sandstone walls. But not far away – about fifty miles to the west – is El-Kelaâ M’Gouna.

It’s a small town in the foothills of the High Atlas surrounded by acres of greenery, a bit like a reverse oasis. Most of these plants are rose bushes, and it’s the pink Persians that makes this area the rose capital of the world and form the majority of the town’s economy.

Imagine an extended village fair, where everything is linked to a rose and you’ll get a vague idea of what it’s like. There’s even a kind of beauty pageant, with the winner being crowned Miss Rose.