A Picturesque Oasis in the Gorges de la Chiffa

Nestled about 10–12 km south of Blida, along the Blida–Médéa RN1, the Ruisseau des Singes (Monkey Stream) flows gently through the dramatic Gorges de la Chiffa, feeding into the Oued Chiffa. The lush gorges are framed by steep cliffs carpeted in verdant vegetation, which also serve as home to the endangered Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus)

A Storied Retreat: The Auberge and Its Legacy

The historic auberge (inn) perched by the stream and beneath a 200-year-old plane tree, has been a cherished rest stop since the early 19th century. Guests were drawn by its “first-class cuisine,” all-hour meals, and its natural beauty . Over time, it hosted famed visitors including Napoléon III, Ferhat Abbas, and the Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, each leaving glowing inscriptions in its guestbook.

Wildlife Encounters and Ecological Importance

The site is best known culturally for the Barbary macaques, semi-wild magots that have captured travelers’ imaginations for centuries. Writers like Guy de Maupassant vividly described how these curious primates would emerge to observe, and sometimes approach, visitors. Children often delight in feeding the macaques (with caution), while rare visitors like falcons, peacocks, and even a chacal were once kept in the auberge’s small zoo.

Modern Infrastructure, Lingering Impact

Construction of a new North–South autoroute (Chiffa–Berrouaghia) drastically altered the natural setting. The once flowing cascade dried up; the ecosystem, and the macaques suffered as a result. The China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) intervened to preserve the historic inn, modifying designs so the auberge remained intact, earning praise as a balancing act between progress and heritage .

At a glance

Feature	Details
Location	Gorges de la Chiffa, ~10–12 km south of Blida along RN1
Key Attractions	Scenic gorges, ancient auberge, Barbary macaques, lush landscape
Cultural Legacy	Historic inn praised by writers and dignitaries like Maupassant and Napoléon III
Environmental Threats	Ecosystem disturbed by highway construction; macaques’ habitat at risk
Conservation Efforts	CSCEC preserved the auberge and influenced protective measures
Best Visiting Tips	Go early morning or late afternoon for better light, wildlife, and fewer crowds.

Why Visit the Ruisseau des Singes?

Framed by majestic cliffs and shaded by ancient trees, the Ruisseau des Singes offers a peaceful escape. Visitors can immerse themselves in natural beauty, local wildlife, and a slice of Algeria’s cultural history. It’s a place where echoes of the past meet conservation challenges of the present—an enduring gem in Blida’s landscape.