Most visitors to Morocco are unaware that Bhalil even exists and yet it is a very special place to visit. No one knows this better than Kamal Chaoui and his wife Beatrice who own and operate Dar Kamal Chaoui, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK-Ejlb87lk&feature=related). Kamal and Beatrice have made themselves quite at home in Bhalil, where they are close to the local people and situated amidst the breathtaking surrounding nature.
Bhalil is the beginning of the Middle Atlas mountains and many of the locals are Berber. Donkeys are the preferred mode of transportation in this tranquil town where many natural wonders await you. With a rich history and extraordinary natural features, Bhalil is located at the foot of the Jebel Kandar, and this magnificent peak offers visitors spectacular views of the town and the landscapes that embrace it. Lush, green valleys, a sparkling river and fertile land create awe inspiring views from this hilltop, while the streets of Bhalil are lined with artisans who produce traditional and exquisite crafts to admire and purchase. The entire town has an extremely laid-back atmosphere to it. Residents are easily recognized by their clothing. The younger women of Bhalil wear a Djebella, while older women wear ihafs or tarfs on their heads that cover their entire bodies. The men also display head wear referred to as Razzas.
One feature of Bhalil that stands out from other cities is the fact that there are still a few cave-
houses that are in use. Guides will be able to take visitors on tours of these homes, which only differ from normal houses by their location. Cave homes are also divided into rooms, with the bedrooms generally being located on the second floor; but unlike conventional homes, cave houses are able to keep the scorching summer heat out, as well as the icy winter chill. Home owners take much pride in their cave homes by comfortably furnishing the interior. However, visitors will have to look closely to not to pass a cave home by, as they can be hidden from the outside. Visiting Bhalil can be a very rewarding experience, and travelers who enjoy exploring destinations that are off-the-beaten-path should not miss out on Bhalil.
Olives are one of Morocco’s many riches and in Bhali the ritual of the olive harvest has remained pretty much unchanged for centuries. Villagers, armed with long sticks to tap the olives out of the trees and donkeys to carry the load, set off before sunrise and work until sunset. For a delightful look at the process of producing olive oil in Bhalil, check out the following video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8LsfG4mnxI&feature=related
Thank you for you article about Bhalil,
Bhalil is a real Authentic Moroccan place.
I’m ready to help everybody discovering this place !
je peut dire : merci beaucoup de tout ce que faite pour mon petit patelin
I’d like to add a text in french in order to help french speakers to learn a lot about Bhalil and about our Gueshouse in Bhalil, 24 km close to Fez in Morocco.
Notre maison d’hôtes : http://www.kamalchaoui.com est située dans un village authentique appelé Bhalil, à 24 km de Fès au Maroc.
Notre choix pour ce village à été motivé par l’aspect pittoresque de ce village, le but est de permettre à nos invités de séjourner dans un Maroc loin de la modernité, loin de la circulation & de la pollution. Nous leur permettons d’établir le contact avec des locaux très surpris par la présence de touristes, ils sont fiers de présenter leur savoir et de montrer leur hospitalité, les habitants de ce village, sont pour la plupart des agriculteurs, le village vit donc au rythme des récoltes, celle de l’olive est la plus spectaculaire : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRh6Q1o3cXY&feature=related
Nous avons tenu à rénover notre maison en toute simplicité sans jamais renier sur le confort, équation difficile à résoudre, avons nous réussi ? Regardez cette vidéo est dites nous ce que vous pensez de notre décoration : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WsR6PCa9oQ
L’emplacement de notre maison d’hôtes Dar Kamal Chaoui est idéal pour les excursions, la route des lacs, la forêt de cèdre, les cascades de Séfrou et les treks en montagnes sont autant d’excursions que Kamal et Béatrice affectionnent et organisent pour l’émerveillement de leurs invités.
Ceux et celles qui y ont goutés ont laissé leurs commentaires sur TripAdvisor : http://www.tripadvisor.fr/Hotel_Review-g293733-d1875956-Reviews-Dar_KamalChaoui-Fes.html
Notre culture du service apprise en Europe durant au moins 30 ans (Nous sommes les seuls gérants de notre maison d’hôtes Dar Kamal Chaoui)
Nos connaissances des langues : Français Anglais Allemand Arabe,
Notre patience, notre flexibilité, notre aspect humain et proche de l’autre,
La passion pour l’histoire, le besoin de décoder pour vous les uses et coutumes du Maroc,
La gastronomie et l’art de vous recevoir dans la bonne hygiène grâce à Béatrice,
Sont autant d’atouts pour vous afin de garantir une expérience humaine unique pour un séjour inoubliable chez Béatrice & Kamal au Dar Kamal Chaoui
is a beautifull citty
They say that olive trees that grow in a land located between 750 and 1000meter are the most tasty olives, they say that women who lives around those trees, who use that oil are the most fertile, they are indeed using this sacred Oil, as a care for their skin, body and hair! I’ve noticed how pretty they are! we have opened a Guesthouse Dar Kamal Chaoui precisely in this region, inside the authentic village of Bhalil, we have made this choice because we loved this village and the inhabitants, we liked the nature and the mountains around, if you are like us, close to the nature, looking for a peaceful accommodation, looking for a sober decoration and a maximum comfort, don’t miss our Guesthouse, we would be happy to welcome you for a tour or for a night, let get in touch with us via this video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=xK-Ejlb87lk
Please add your comments
“Bhalil – peaceful village and friendly villagers”
Reviewed 24 April 2012 NEW
Life in Bhalil is totally different compare to Fez. It’s a village that’s not too far from Fez (about 30 min drive) with a lot of friendly people. We were very lucky to have stayed a night at Dar Kamal Chaoui. Like the villagers in Bhalil, Kamal was very helpful and friendly. He brought us around the village ( for free )to show us the architecture, culture, and how the people make a living there (by making buttons for djellaba). Dar Kamal Chaoui is clean and nice. As for food, Beatrice (Kamal’s wife) cooks great homemade food. If you don’t really like the busy/commercialized Fez, you should consider staying one or two extra nights in Bhalil and enjoy the hospitality of Kamal and Beatrice.