Plizio Visual Lab

Métlaoui

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

City

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Practical info — Métlaoui

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🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

Ride the 'Lézard Rouge' (Red Lizard), a vintage train that travels through the striking Selja Gorges; check the schedule at the station beforehand.
Be prepared for an industrial vibe, as the town is the main hub for Tunisia's phosphate mining industry.
Visit the small mining museum to learn about the geological history and the development of the local mines.
Wear sturdy shoes for any excursions, as the terrain in and around the town is rocky and dusty.

🍽 Food

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Lablabi

A hearty chickpea soup, served particularly spicy in the local eateries around the center.

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Grilled Lamb

Look for simple 'méchoui' grills near the market for the freshest local meat.

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Desert Truffles

Available seasonally in the markets after the rains; a rare and sought-after local delicacy.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

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Desert Roses

Gypsum crystal formations found in the region, sold cheaply as souvenirs.

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Weekly Market

Where the miners and their families shop; great for picking up authentic spices.

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Selja Gorge Trails

If you are not taking the train, the areas surrounding the gorge offer quiet viewpoints.

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Plateau above the Town

Gives a panoramic view over the desert landscape and the mining operations.

Métlaoui is located in southwestern Tunisia within the Gafsa Governorate and serves as the undisputed hub of the country's phosphate mining industry. The modern history of the town began in 1896 following the discovery of massive phosphate deposits, leading to the establishment of the Compagnie des Phosphates de Gafsa (CPG). Geographically, the town is surrounded by a stark desert landscape and the spectacular Seldja Gorges, carved out by the erosion of the Seldja River. A major highlight for visitors is the 'Lézard Rouge' (Red Lizard), a historic tourist train once belonging to the Bey of Tunis, which now takes passengers on a scenic journey through the narrow rocky canyons. The economy is almost entirely dependent on mining, which defines the town's social fabric and industrial identity. Despite the harsh climate and industrial focus, Métlaoui features unique insights into Tunisian industrial heritage and striking natural landmarks on the edge of the Sahara.