| Parakou | ||
 | ||
| State | Benin | |
|---|---|---|
| Territory | Northern Benin | |
| Altitude | 324 m a.s.l. | |
| Surface | 441 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 255.478 (2013 census) | |
| Prefix tel | 229 | |
| Time zone | UTC 1 | |
Position
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| Institutional website | ||
Parakou is a city of Northern Benin.
To know
It is an important market at the crossroads to the Nigeria and the Togo, and the central road from Cotonou to Malanville and al Niger. This position has made it an important center of trade, while the industries are concentrated in the production of peanut oil, cotton and textiles and brewing.
Background
The founding of the city dates back to the 16th century by wasangari traders. The city grew initially from the revenue generated by passing traders who brought goods from the region through the Sahara and the Mediterranean towardsEurope. It also served as an important milestone in the distribution of goods in Africa. As a result, Parakou became famous in the slave trade. Later traders concentrated on cotton and Parakou still remains the hub of the Beninese cotton trade, with considerable interest from Europe.
How to orient yourself
Parakou: full screen map.
How to get
By plane
- 1 Parakou Airport (IATA: PKO), Rocade NW (3 km northwest of the center), ☎ 229 95 812426. Dirt track. Taxi Air Benin serves the airport of Cotonou.
By car
From here passes the RNIE 2 interstate highway, the main highway of the Benin. It connects with Cotonou to the south, continuing towards the border with Niger.
On the train
Parakou is the Nordic railway terminus and although the tracks are in poor condition, it is possible to travel up to here from Cotonou. Departures are at 8:30 from Cotonou on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Along the way, the train also stops at Bohicon and just out of Abomey (one of the World Heritage Sites in Benin as well as royal city), before arriving in Parakou at 19:00. Tickets start at 5,600 CFA for first class.
If you are traveling in a group, a more pleasant way to reach Parakou from Cotonou would be via the privately run tourist train Train d'Ebene, handled by Voyageur SARL[link not working] and made up of vintage railway carriages from the 1920s. The trip includes dinner, a minibar, and hammocks for afternoon naps. The train operates on request and can accommodate up to 20 people. Prices start at 400,000 CFA.
How to get around
What see
- 1 Musée en Plein Air de Parakou.
1500 CFA admission (March 2018). An open-air museum with traditional houses of the local people of Batanou. - Hotel les Routiers. It has its own zoo with alligators, turtles, warthogs, a small gazelle and various birds. Here you will find works of art for sale including carved wooden masks, tapestries and jewelry.
1500 CFA admission (March 2018). An open-air museum with traditional houses of the local people of Batanou.Events and parties
What to do
Shopping
- Grand Marché Arzeke. When visiting Parakou you cannot miss a visit to one of the largest markets in Benin. An international market that spans one block, with over a thousand vendors. The market sells a wide range of products, from ceramic items including vases and bowls, cotton fabrics, cassettes and CDs by local and international artists, local spices, fruit and Gasaru or wagasi (cow's milk cheese) and even cooking and cooking utensils.
- Marché Kobo Kobo (Across the street from the French Cultural Center). Known for retailing clothing, mainly second-hand items, and in one section of it sells livestock.
- Marché Depot (Near Parakou train station around several hotels). It mainly sells food, but also gourds and baskets.
- Marché Guema (Next to the Guema church, on the northern road to Malanville, in the Albarika district of the city).
Sun 10:00. The market was founded by the Somba tribe of the Atacorae. The market consists of a collection of grass huts and specializes in beef and pork and local millet beer known as choukachou or simply "chouk".
Sun 10:00. The market was founded by the Somba tribe of the Atacorae. The market consists of a collection of grass huts and specializes in beef and pork and local millet beer known as choukachou or simply "chouk".How to have fun
Night clubs
- The Bataclan (In front of the Hotel Princesse).
- KMM Club.
Where to eat
Average prices
- The Face Douane. It serves generous portions of mostly African cuisine.
Where stay
Average prices
- Hotel Princesse, ☎ 229 23 610132.
