This small desert outpost originally sprang up as a French garrison to control the marauding nomadic tribes and today is a quiet place noted for its marble and date harvests. There’s a steep hill to the military fort of Borj-Est, which was manned by the Foreign Legion. From here, the views across the region are stunning.

Erfoud is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding desert and oases.
The oasis inhabitants live in fort-settlements knows as ksours, whose high walls, tightly packed houses and intricate pattern of paths and alleyways are as beautiful as they are charming. Made from lime and the red sand of the region, they provide protection from both intruders and the scorching sun. Surrounding these settlements are large palm groves that have sustained these communities on the fringe of the desert for centuries. Near Erfoud too are the vast sand dunes of Merzouga, certainly the most splendid in the country.