"Maryam's Oran" Oran by maryamy

Oran Travel Guide: 30 reviews and 127 photos

Oran - Paris south of the Med

I lived in Oran for a while as a small child, a toddler really. I had not been able to go back to visit this city for sometime. My memories included the short walk from home to the Mediterranean Sea.
I have just returned from there, having spent 11 days. I will slowly build this page. Enjoy.

What is Oran like...

When walking down the central streets of this big city, the first glance confirms one is in an Arabic and Islamic country. The faces are dark and the women are covered up.
 
But, wait, the second glance shows you women dressed as in European cities, with blonde hair, both bleached and natural. The guys too could hail from anywhere in Europe. Cast your eyes over the crowds and the shop signs are in Arabic (of course), but also in French. So, this is an ex-French colonial town.
 
Oh, but do look again, further up. The architecture is most certainly Spanish, almost as if one could be in Madrid or even in Havana.
 This is the essence of Oran.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Not stuffy like most big cities.
Cons:Could do with more rain and TLC.
In a nutshell:Wonderful discovery

Last visit to Oran: Jul 2003
Intro Updated Aug 28, 2003
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Reviews (26)

Eat cous cous Local Customs (3)

It takes a little time to prepare, but it's lovely. The Algerian cous cous is not spicy, but more fruity than that of... more travel advice

Go to Madagh Off The Beaten Path (4)

Some hour or so drive from Oran, this is a natural beach, with wonderful views on the way there. It's a little stoney,... more travel advice

La maison de la vielle Off The Beaten Path (4)

Althought not quite in Oran, this house is set on the road west out of Oran. An old Spanish lady lived here for many... more travel advice

Sea Oran's port Things to Do (6)

As a major city (second in Algeria), Oran has a large port. It's interesting to watch the boats and hussle and bustle... more travel advice

Sports & Outdoors (2)
See All Plenty of mountains
What to Pack (1)
Bikini in the summer
Shopping (1)
Gateaux Algerien
Restaurants (3)
See All Great seafood
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Comments (11)

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barryg23 Feb 14, 2005 at 7:56 AM

oran sounds very interesting
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kindwasp Jan 29, 2005 at 7:50 AM

hi your homepage is done very well , with nice photos and beautiful place i spent few days in oran 3 years ago during the ramadan , it was very nice well done for your homepage
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maykal Oct 21, 2004 at 5:54 PM

Isn't Cheb Khaled from Oran? Or at least he's always singing about missing Wahrane...anyway, nice to see some pictures of what sounds like an interesting city ;@P
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dsantosh Jan 5, 2004 at 4:08 AM

Maryam..Happy new year to you and family.May 2004 will bring exciting and great travels to you. Fantastic page...great job..
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tiganeasca Nov 10, 2003 at 4:58 AM

All I knew of this city before was from Camus...thanks for sharing some wonderful pics and helpful tips. Now it's time to see it in person!
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manuelEB Jul 24, 2003 at 12:28 PM

This city brings to my mind a novel by Camus that you surely have read...PS: insomnia!
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dr.firas Jul 23, 2003 at 12:51 PM

Good page! Hmmm cous cous seems to be cool! but I haven't taste the real one! I will soon in Tunisia!
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drolkar Jul 22, 2003 at 8:30 AM

"Front de mer" is lovely, as are the beaches ! Looking forward to more.... Best wishes from Catherine.
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into-thin-air Jul 20, 2003 at 2:19 PM

I've never been to Algeria ! But your pages now have given me an interest !! Oran looks like a Great place -- thank you for sharing all these useful tips with us !!!!
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aadil Jul 20, 2003 at 2:16 PM

Lovely page with nice tips and pics too!!!