Tozeur a prosperous town,was once,like the mountain oases, one of the Roman outposts and a stopping point for the caravans coming from the sub Sahara to trade with the coastal cities of the Mediterranean, it now owes its fame and affluence to the stately palm and its world renowned dates - deglet nour "fingers of light". The beauty of this oases, its fabulous 14th century medina and botanical gardens attracts visitors from all over the world. The groves of over 200,000 palms are watered by hundreds of natural springs and the Belvedere park offers a panoramic view. Young and old will certainly enjoy the new theme park, Arabian Nights, where the cavern of Ali Baba waits for the secret words. The adventurous may join an organized tour in a hot-air balloon offered by the Aéroasis club at Tozeur and nature lovers stroll through Paradise, a fragrant botanical garden. The Festival of the Oases held here in late November or December) draws thousands of the winter weary, eager to enjoy the sun and the warmth of their welcome.