Once a garrison town for the French Foreign Legion, Ouarzazate has found fame through calluloid. Over the past century the town and area have appeared in hundreds of films and there are now permanent film studios which are open to visitors when there are no films being shot. It is also a great base for exploring southern Morocco as towns such as Zagora, Skoura and Berber villages such as Ait Banhaddou are all within easy reach. It is also possible to take excursions to the desert for a night under the stars.