Morocco is known for its rich millennial cities, Marrakech or Fez, as well as its Atlantic beaches, which conceal such pearls as Agadir and Essaouira. On the other hand, the Mediterranean coast has long been forgotten. This offence has now been redeemed and from Tangier in the west to Oudja, at the eastern end of the kingdom, visitors are rediscovering the tranquil shores and preserved landscapes that, for millennia, have attracted the greatest civilizations.

Oujda is first and foremost a large city with more than 500,000 inhabitants, with a blend of Berber, Andalusian and Ottoman influences; a vibrant metropolis whose geographical location at the crossroads of cultures (the Algerian border is only 5 kilometres away) ensures economic prosperity. As is often the case in Morocco, the medina is the gateway to tourism, even if there are still few visitors. This adds to its charm! Founded in 994, protected by crenelated ramparts, it is the bustling heart of the city. The fruit and vegetable stalls and colourful fabric shops intertwine and vibrate to the rhythm of a souk where pedestrians, carts and mopeds meet in cheerful chaos. 

You enter the medina through several monumental gates, like so many "locks" cut into in the walls. The most famous is that of Bab Sidi Abdelaouahab. In the past, the sultan used to hang the rebels' severed heads here! Today, it is a rich testimony of Arabo-Muslim architecture, a gateway to the most beautiful monuments of the city: the Great Mosque and its finely carved minaret, the madrasa (Koranic school) with its soothing atmosphere, and the Moorish baths; without forgetting several synagogues. Here you’ll find a door decorated with interlacing marking the entrance of a hammam, further on a small courtyard adorned with a fountain, and further still, old palaces, the most remarkable of which are those of Dar Essebti (transformed into a cultural space) and Dar Al Bachal... the spectacle is everywhere for those who take the trouble to observe.

The gardens planted with olive trees that once surrounded the medina and formed a defence system have partly disappeared, making way for the modern dwellings of the new city. Fortunately, there are still a few green havens, to cool off and enjoy the peace and quiet after the souks. Head off to Lalla Aïcha park, created in 1935, a gigantic oasis of 25 hectares. Every weekend, the locals meet here in the shade of the palm trees, for a family outing or to keep fit in the swimming pools, tennis and horse-riding clubs and on the sports fields. More "down to earth", Lalla Meryem Park is home to a small museum of traditional weapons. It is also a place where one can learn Gharnatia (Arabic-Andalusian) music, one of Oujda's traditions. 

The city is surrounded by harmonious landscapes. The foothills of the eastern Rif are perfect for a getaway, in landscapes planted with palm trees and eucalyptus, mimosas and lilacs. The low mountains of Beni Snassen hide quiet villages where visitors are always warmly welcomed. They are also the privileged witness of past civilizations. Like the oasis of Sidi Yahya, which shelters the tombs of saints and hosts a picturesque souk every Friday morning; or like the many caves of the region where flint and carved spear tips have been discovered, so many testimonies of the stone age before the arrival of the Romans in the region.  Perched at the top of rocky hills that resemble ancient canyons, the caves of Rafess and Guenfouda are definitely worth a detour.

Fancy ending your trip with a few lazy days on the Mediterranean coast? Head for Saidia, about 60 kilometres from Oujda. Along a beautiful sandy beach 14 km long, the Moroccan authorities have recently built a new seaside resort. From the chic hotels and the many apartments overlooking the sea, to yachts bobbing in the marina and the carefully manicured golf course, time seems suspended... 

• The Souk of Oujda
• The Oujda Medina
• The House Dar Sebti
• The Lalla Aicha Park
• Bab Sidi Abdelwahad
• Al Kabir Mosque
• Oasis of Sidi Yahya
• The forest of Sidi Maafa
• The Zegzel Valley

In 2018, Oujda is the capital of Arab culture.

March: International Science Festival
April: Events of the year 2018: Oujda capital of Arab culture.
May: the nights of Ramadan
June: Maghreb movie festival
June: music festival
July: International Raï Festival
August: Karane festival (Jazz)

The House Dar Sebti: this "mini-palace" is little known and yet, it is worth the detour! This house was offered to the city by a trader from Fes, Abdellatif Senti, at the end of the 40s. Today, it is an authentic and colorful place that you will not miss to visit in Oujda!

Make a hammam: a traditional Hammam in the city of Oujda is a unique experience to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. Even if many hammam have been destroyed, there are still some very interesting, as Hammam El-Bali or Sidi Yahya.

Marchica Lagoon (in the area):The Nador Lagoon is a unique natural site! Its flora and fauna make this lagoon an exceptional and unknown site around Oujda.

Breakfast

• Zammita: fresh crushed barley to which a pinch of salt is added and tied with water or an egg, all simmered over low heat.
• salads
• Al khoubiz: dish made with chard and garlic
• Slata bel brania: salad of aubergine pieces cooked in water and simmered in oil with tomatoes, garlic and spices.
• Slata bel felfel: salad with grilled peppers and tomatoes.
• Slata bel foul: salad with whole beans cooked in water
• Zroudiya mhamssa: mashed carrots and returned to olive oil with spices.

Dishes

• Berkoukech: large grains of couscous, cooked in a sauce with tomato and spices.
• Bissara: Mashed beans or split peas.
• Brania: dish with meat, chickpeas and fried eggplant.
• El kercha: Offal of mutton (pieces of tripe, liver, lung, garlic, onion, spices, with beans or chickpeas.
• Malfouf or qotbane: Skewers of mutton or meat liver
• El marqa: dish in sauce with seasonal vegetables,
• Mhammer: dish made from meat, raisins and almonds
• Seffa: Couscous end of cinnamon and sprinkled with fine sugar.
• Sekouk: semolina of couscous served in bowls to which fresh curd is added.
• Taam: Cousous of Oujda

Cakes

• Chamia: cake made from almond paste and date paste.
• Ghribiya: cake made from flour, sprinkled with cinnamon.
• Griwach: dough strips of flour intertwined and braided, fried in oil, dipped in honey or syrup; they are served mainly during Ramadan.
• Kâak: biscuits in the shape of bracelets.
• Karane: preparation made from chickpea flour and eggs
• Makrout: cake made from semolina, dates and honey.
• Msayess: bracelets in almond paste.

• Morocco National Tourist Office
• About Oujda 
• Oujda Airport
• Moroccan Ambassy in France 
• General Consulate of France in Morocco