Why go en Algérie?
The good reasons to go en Algérie
The Sahara
A mythical and fascinating desert, a trip to the sand dunes is unforgettable.
The hammam
What a pleasure to pamper yourself in a traditional hammam!
Algiers
Its mythical Kasbah, its seafront promenade, its port and, above all, its energy.
The population
Not a very touristy country, but you're always warmly welcomed.
The oases
In the middle of the desert, it's a haven for palm groves and gardens.
Rock art
Discover rock paintings, particularly in the Tassili du Hoggar.
Gastronomy
Beyond couscous, Algeria has many pastries to discover!
Constantine
The mythical city of bridges. Majestic!
Landscape diversity
City, countryside, mountains, desert... Algeria has a lot to offer.
A history stretching back thousands of years
Don't miss out on its archaeological sites.
Good to know when visiting l'Algérie
Timetable
Offices are generally open from 8am to 4:30pm, banks from 8:30am. Weekly rest days are now Fridays and Saturdays, Friday being prayer day. Banks are closed on Saturdays, but most shops are open. Don't forget to take into account siesta time in summer and Ramadan, during which administrations operate at a slower pace (closing at 3pm) and restaurants and bars are closed. Shops are open all day, until the break of the fast (ftour), and reopen, like cafés, a few hours after ftour until late in the evening...
Main events
Fixed-date holidays: January1: New Year's Day; January 12: Yennayer (Amazigh New Year's Day); May1: Labor Day; May 8: Commemoration of the events of May 8, 1945 (Massacres of Sétif, Guelma and Kherrata); July 5: Independence and Youth Day; November1: Anniversary of the November1, 1954 revolution.
Religious holidays with variable dates: Aïd el-Fitr: feast of the breaking of the fast (Ramadan); Aïd el-Adha: feast of the sacrifice (Aïd el-Kébir); Mouharram: day of the Hegira New Year; Achoura: 10th day of Mouharram; Mouloud: anniversary of the birth of the Prophet.
Guided tours
In southern Algeria. To visit southern Algeria, foreign tourists must be accompanied by a travel agency. Those wishing to visit the desert from Djanet or Tamanrasset, or the M'Zab valley, etc., will need to contact an agency before their departure to book their stay. Beware, however, that some unscrupulous guides may offer their services claiming to be able to organize itinerant tours: only approved agencies are authorized to do so, and will be able to help travellers obtain their visas, especially the visa on arrival.
In Algiers. We recommend that you book a guided tour of the Kasbah of Algiers. It's easy to get lost in its network of narrow streets, and you'll get much more out of its history, architecture and monuments if you're accompanied by a guide who can provide explanations. Guides offer their services directly in the Kasbah.
What's very local
When visiting places of worship, be sure to dress appropriately and remove your shoes at the entrance.
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Discover l'Algérie
Long neglected by tourists, Algeria is attracting more and more travelers. And for good reason: this country is both culturally rich and blessed with magnificent landscapes, more varied than you might think. With some 2.3 million km2, Algeria is the largest country in Africa. Eighty-five percent of this vastness is covered by the Sahara Desert, which in itself is an excellent reason to visit the country, both for its spectacular scenery and for the rock art it shelters. Roman remains, Berber culture, different architectural styles, craftsmanship, music and gastronomy are just some of the reasons to make your trip unforgettable. Each region has its own specificities and deserves an in-depth visit to discover all the treasures it conceals; it will undoubtedly take several trips to get a true overview of Algeria's beauty.
