Midès

Ten kilometres from Tamerza, on the Algerian border, the ruined village of Midès hangs over a deep canyon of folded rock. The new village lives below, in a palm grove of dates, oranges and figs.

History

Ancient Mades was a lookout on the Roman frontier. The old village was abandoned after the deadly floods of 1969.

Customs

Walk along the rim with care: the edges are unfenced. Stay on the Tunisian side.

Food

Oranges and dates from the palm grove.

Best time

October to April, late afternoon for the light in the canyon.

The canyon appears in films such as "The English Patient" and "Fort Saganne".