Named after Emperor Constantine the Great in the 3rd century, Constantine (formerly Cirta) is a city steeped in history. Coveted for its strategic position in eastern Algeria, it sits at the crossroads of trade routes. Before the Romans, the Numidians made it their kingdom. The Arab-Berbers, followed by the Ottomans, and finally the French, in the 19th century and until the country's independence in 1962, also staked their flags here, leaving a heritage of relics and monuments from all eras, to the delight of culture enthusiasts today.

Algeria's third-largest city, with a population of over 500,000, Constantine has the distinction of being firmly rooted in the land, while Algiers and Oran are more open to the sea. The first thing that strikes the visitor is the city's rugged terrain, carved out by Rhumel Gorge. The vertiginous cliffs pitted with caves and the deep ravines meant that several bridges had to be built to span the river, giving Constantine its nickname of "the City of Bridges", and making Maupassant's heart skip a beat. The oldest bridge dates back to the Romans, while the most recent - an elegant cable-stayed structure - was inaugurated in 2014. A cable car was even built a few years ago to make it easier to get around.

This rugged terrain adds to the charm of a city almost three thousand years old, and delights urban trekkers. From the historic centre, known as Le Rocher because it is built on a gigantic limestone promontory, to the chic Second Empire or Art Deco buildings of the Bellevue or Lamy suburbs, inherited from the colonial era and stretching out on the other side of the gorges, there are plenty of opportunities to tone up the calf muscles. It's also an opportunity to discover the legendary Algerian hospitality. The more adventurous can even push on to neighbouring towns - such as El Khroub - which have sprung up on the hills and are gradually being swallowed up by an ever-growing conurbation. 

Constantine is one of Algeria's most dynamic cities. Boosted by trade, particularly in grains and textiles, it boasts a rich tradition of craftsmanship, from pottery to sheet metal work. The city is also home to one of the country's largest universities. Tens of thousands of students are housed in the striking white modernist buildings designed by Oscar Niemeyer, the famous Brazilian architect. After classes, they spread joie de vivre and music throughout the streets. As if to remind us that Constantine is also one of the cradles of Arab-Andalusian music, known here as malouf. Every year, a festival brings the streets to life, another opportunity to discover a city that has everything it takes to become a major tourist destination in the years to come...

Sites and monuments

• Kasbah of the Udayas – at the mouth of Bou Regreg river, the Arab fortress dates from the 12th century: a maze of alleyways with white and blue houses, a pretty Andalusian garden...
• The medina - built in the 17th century to accommodate the Arab population fleeing Andalusia. Here you'll find the traditional souks and their shops...
• Hassan Tower - this red minaret, dating from the 12th century and standing 44 metres high, is one of the symbols of Rabat.
• The city walls - encircling the old town, extend more than five kilometres and serve as a guide for a walk or bike ride.
• Mohamed V Mausoleum - Next to Hassan Tower, this masterpiece of Moroccan art houses the remains of Kings Mohamed V and Hassan II.
• Necropolis of Chellah - the tombs of the ancient Marinid dynasty were sited in an ancient Roman city, a strange contrast that lends the place incomparable charm.
• The modern city - a legacy of Lyautey, it is located next to the medina. The Art-deco buildings are dazzling, and their inhabitants mingle on the avenues planted with palm trees...

Parks and gardens

• Parc du Triangle Vue – with its tall trees lining the bustling Boulevard Hassan II, this is a cool oasis right in the centre.
• Andalusian Gardens - in the heart of the Kasbah of the Udayas, is the romantic garden par excellence, best combined with a glass of mint tea at the nearby Café des Oudayas. 
• Ibn-Sina urban forest - In the south of the city, the locals also call it the “Hilton Forest” because of its proximity to the former hotel, now operated by Sofitel. Here you can enjoy the shade of the pine and eucalyptus trees.
• The Jardin d'Essais botanical gardens - a lush 17-hectare garden designed in the early 20th century by French landscape architect Jean-Claude Nicolas-Forestier.
• The Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel - a place entirely dedicated to the magic of the senses, a few kilometres north of the city.

Museums

• National Finery Museum - located in the Kasbah of the Udayas, the museum is worth visiting both for its collections of jewellery, caftans and costumes and for the richly decorated building - a former palace. 
• Museum of History and Civilisation - this museum brings together ancient treasures (Roman period, Islamic archaeology, etc.) unearthed during excavations in Mogador and Volubilis.
• Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and ContemporaryArt - hosts temporary exhibitions of excellent quality.  
• Bank Al-Maghrib Museum - a modern museum housed in the former headquarters of a bank, with a vast numismatic collection and art gallery.

Must-see events in Rabat

• 11 January - Independence Manifesto.
• End of May - Mawazine Festival - world music festival, with several stages around the city. 
• 30 July - Throne Festival (anniversary of the King's enthronement), with parades and fireworks.
• 20 August - Anniversary of the revolution of the King and the People.
• September - Jazz au Chellah - Jazz festival organised in the ancient necropolis, bringing together artists from both sides of the Mediterranean.
• 18 November - Independence Day, to celebrate Mohammed V's return from exile.

• Opposite Rabat, on the other side of the Bou Regreg river, Salé is an ancient Berber town that has preserved its lively medina. Today, a bridge links the two cities, taking you from the westernised metropolis to a more traditional Morocco.
• An hour away by train, Casablanca is Morocco's major business city. From the villas of the Anfa district to the corniche lined with chic boutiques, from the old medina to the gigantic Hassan II mosque, whose minaret rises to a height of 200 metres, it surprises and mesmerises visitors.
• Heading south, you can discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the Rabat region. Particularly in the town of Temara, where the seafront promenade comes alive every evening. But beware: even in Morocco, the Atlantic waters are not very warm!

Gastronomy in Rabat

• Tajine - meat or fish, spiced or sweetened and accompanied by vegetables, prunes or almonds, simmered in an earthenware dish.
• Couscous - semolina served with beef or mutton and vegetables (carrots, courgettes, turnips, beans, peas, etc.).
• Pastilla - puff pastry filled with minced chicken or pigeon, sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon.
• Kefta - a skewer or meatball made from beef or lamb for a quick lunch.
• Fish - from sea bass to sea bream, grilled or baked, they are a prominent feature on the menus of Rabat's restaurants.

Desserts

• Pastries are an essential part of Moroccan culture: gazelle horn (filled with almond paste and flavoured with orange blossom), almond triangle, bechkito (jam and almond biscuit), ghribia (shortbread flavoured with lemon or orange zest).

Drinks

• Tea - green and very sweet, with mint.
• Fresh orange juice - a Moroccan classic. Beware of ice cubes and added water, which can cause tummy upsets!
• Wines - These are mainly produced in the Meknes and Casablanca regions. Among the reds and rosés, Guerrouane is one of the best known.
• Mahia - a fig alcohol flavoured with aniseed that can be enjoyed as a digestive or in cocktails with fruit juices.

• Morocco National Tourist Office
• French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Moroccan Ambassy in France 
• General Consulate of France in Morocco