A modern town that was established by the French Foreign Legion at the beginning of the 20th century, since Morocco became independent, Errachidia has continued to be a military town, with a large garrison in the town, present because of the proximity to the Algerian frontier. Errachidia also has a large population of Alaouis (the royal family), which could also explain why the town was renamed in 1975 in honour of Rachid, the son of Hassan II.
During my trip to Morocco I simply passed through Errachidia and my advice to everyone else is to do the same. The dusty, concrete centre and interminable suburbs of this town of 80,000 inhabitants don't make it any more welcoming. Quite the contrary!
Like Erfoud, Errachidia is a garrison city formerly built by the French. So you'll find right angled streets there according to a squared plan. Which over time, I must admit, can become quite monotonous in the course of a visit. All the same the city has invested in quite pleasant hotels and an immense theatre which attracts artists from all over the Sahara.
Errachidia is a stop on the Tafilalet route during atrip around Morocco: it's also the region's main tourist attraction. But the city's surroundings are also worth the trip. A dozen kilometres away the famous Blue Source in Meski can be found: this signals the beginning of the Ziz Valley. It's a place often frequented by the region's inhabitants for a swim. Downstream you'll discover a landscape of rolling hills, with authentic mountain villages scattered throughout and beautiful palm groves. Ideal for a bike ride.