A Picturesque Oasis in the Gorges de la Chiffa
The Ruisseau des Singes (Monkey Stream) lies about 10–12 km south of Blida, along the RN1 toward Médéa. The small stream runs through the dramatic Gorges de la Chiffa and joins the Oued Chiffa a short distance below. The gorge feels lush and alive, with steep cliffs covered in dense green vegetation. It also shelters the endangered Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus), which has become the area’s most iconic resident.
A Storied Retreat: The Auberge and Its Legacy
A historic auberge sits beside the stream, shaded by a plane tree that is more than two centuries old. Since the early 19th century, travelers have stopped here to rest, eat, and enjoy the scenery. The inn earned a reputation for its “first-class cuisine” and for serving meals at any hour. Because of this charm, it welcomed many notable visitors, including Napoléon III, Ferhat Abbas, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Each left enthusiastic notes in the auberge’s guestbook, which further cemented its legacy.
Wildlife Encounters and Ecological Importance
The site is famous above all for its Barbary macaques. These semi-wild primates have fascinated travelers for generations. Writers such as Guy de Maupassant described how the macaques would step out of the forest to watch visitors, sometimes even coming closer out of curiosity. Families often stop to observe them, and children enjoy feeding them, though with care and respect. In earlier decades, the auberge also kept a few animals such as falcons, peacocks, and even a chacal, adding to the site’s appeal.
Modern Infrastructure and Its Lingering Impact
The construction of the Chiffa–Berrouaghia section of the North–South autoroute dramatically changed the landscape. The once lively cascade dried up, and the local ecosystem felt the strain. As a result, the macaques faced new challenges in their shrinking habitat. During the project, the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) stepped in to protect the historic auberge. The company adjusted its plans so the inn remained standing, a choice praised as a rare compromise between development and heritage.