Metlaoui

Metlaoui is a city in Tunisia .

Take a louage (shared taxi) from the desert oasis-town of Tozeur to the dusty phosphate-town of Mataloui some 45 minutes away. Ask to be dropped at la gare de train .

SNTRI bus .

From Tozeur at 00:30, 08:00, 11:00, 13:00, 23:00 -- 30min-1hour, 3.110 DT. Seven SNTRI buses a day from Tunis take 6-8 hours and cost 22-23 DT.

( updated Mar 2017 )

Metlaoui is compact enough to explore on foot, with most points of interest within walking distance of the town centre. Taxis and louage are available for trips to outlying areas or neighbouring villages. Local transport options are affordable and widely used by residents.

Metlaoui offers a chance to see everyday Tunisian architecture, local markets, and possibly historic buildings such as a mosque, a souk, or a kasbah depending on the town's history. The town's main street and central square are good starting points for exploration.

Le Lezard Rouge ,

Starts from the station of Métlaoui ,

☏

+216 76 241 469 ,

[email protected] .

Tu 10AM; F & Su 10:30AM. Dec 21-Jan 4: F-M & W 10:30AM; Tu & Th 10AM .

As of May 2025, this train seems to be running, but it would be best to double check by e-mail, and be sure to verify the schedule. One of the most exotic tourist train rides in the world. It has beautifully-restored wagons dated from 1904 and once was owned by the Bey of Tunis. It's painted a deep-red with gold trim on the outside. Inside, the interior is very luxurious with brocaded armchairs, overhead antique-globed lighting, brass fittings and mahogany panels. Wide roll-down windows on both sides offered views over the passing landscape that delight the eyes. Young waiters dressed in period garb and white gloves pass through with cold drinks. All in all, though geared only to tourists, it is a unique reminder of an unhurried time and well worth the special detour from Tozeur. If you are going as an individual, verify beforehand and get to the train station early. As 90% of the passengers are in tour groups, the train fills up. The journey is about 1h 45min. Photo stops are scheduled during the trip in the best locations of the canyons.

Adults: 25 DT, children 2-12: 15 DT .

( updated Mar 2017 )

Tunisian staples such as couscous, tagines, grilled meats, and fresh salads are available at local restaurants and cafes. Street food options include brik, fricassé, and grilled sandwiches. Mint tea and strong coffee are served throughout the day at local cafes.

Mint tea and Turkish coffee are the drinks of choice in Metlaoui, served at local cafes throughout the day. Bottled water is recommended for drinking. Soft drinks are widely available. Alcohol may be available at licensed hotels and restaurants in larger towns.

It might be better to stay in one of the many guest houses or hotels in Tozeur , and drive to Metlaoui by car or in an arranged tour.

Hotel Thelja ,

Route de Gafsa,

( On the main road from Tunis, Route 3, a few blocks from the bus station ).

Not very clean.

( updated Mar 2017 )

Local shops and markets in Metlaoui sell everyday goods, fresh produce, and possibly local handicrafts. The weekly souk (market day) is the best time to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and household items. Bargaining is expected at traditional markets.

This article is issued from Wikivoyage . The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.