The Lahboul quarter is situated on the edge of the Medina starting at Bab Gnaoua and looks over the Nouvelle Ville of Hamriya. The area has its own style and atmosphere and it was the residential area for the original Spanish and French colonisers, especially “Rouamzine” at the top of the Lahboul quarter that came to be known as the “Petit Paris”. Lahboul also has a conservatoire specialised in Andalousia music, now in the sumptuous “Dar Bachouat” (House of the Pachas).
But Lahboul is most famous for its exquisite botanical and zoological gardens that Riad Lahboul over looks. Almost 1 km in length, they were built by the French between 1912 and 1914. Between the Andalousia style gardens are small alleys, pergolas and tall palm trees. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere and ideal for a walk, especially “en famille” as many Meknessi love to do all year round.
Ideally situated at 2 minutes walk from the centre of the Medina but with its own laid-back feel, Lahboul is considered to be the “bonus” of the Medina.