Parks and gardens have always played an important role in the traditions of African countries. The hot climate provoked the appearance of as many cool oases with fountains  in every city as possible. They are the places where you can take a rest in the shade of wide-branching trees protecting you from the midday heat.
Oujda wasn’t an exception. It used to have a lot of parks. But the French who one day had come to power, changed the look of the city rather significantly. Even Medina started resembling a European city more than the oldpart of Moroccan settlements. Broad and straight avenues replaced the narrow wiggling streets. Since the city had been changing a lot of gardens famous in Oujda disappeared. Residential and commercial buildings replaced those small but important ancient oases.
The first new park appeared in Oujda in 1930 when the chief city architect, René Maître, had designed the Lalla Aicha park. He had planned to make this place more European, well-organized, but at the same time to keep its rich and diverse flora and fauna that would highlight the local charm. The architect managed to do it, he gave a huge, 17 hectars, beautiful park to the city, that perfectly combined European tendencies and local traditions.
First, it was just a park for enjoyable strolls with convenient footpaths and benches. Gradually, entertainment facilities started to appear. Today, the Parc Lalla Aicha invites you to an open-air swimming pool and tennis courts in summer. And in a remote part of the Park, in order not to interfere with the quiet rest of the majority of guests of the Parc Lalla Aicha, there are specialized riding areas where both experienced jockeys and those who are getting into the saddle for the first time can practice. Next to the stables, there are yards for children’s classes. Young horse lovers can get acquainted with the animals and even ride them. Of course, a lot of cozy cafes are available for the visitors where they can have a great time enjoying a snack and the beautiful local nature.