By Moroccan standards, Ifrane, a town in the Middle Atlas, is comparatively young, and its red-tiled chalets make it seem more European than Moroccan. It's home to both the king's summer residence and Al-Akhawaya University, an elite school. The scenery and fresh air are the biggest draws.
Ifrane is also a good base for exploring and hiking the seldom-visited Middle Atlas region. Near Ifrane are waterfalls (Cascades des Vierges), a forest of old-growth cedars (Foret de Cedres), a small ski area at Mischliffen and the resort of Azrou. Farther away are the lake areas of Dayet Ifrah and Dayet Hachlaf, the towering Ras el-Ain fortress near Beni Mellal, and the popular waterfalls of Cascades d'Ouzoud (impressive in spring—they're actually closer to Marrakech). Ifrane is 40 mi/63 km south of Fez.
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