Lalla Setti, Tlemcen's lookout
Perched at around 1,000 meters, the plateau directly overlooks the city, which sits lower down on the foothills of the Tlemcen Mountains. From its viewpoints you can take in the minarets of the historic center, the modern districts and the plain stretching north. On a clear day, the view reaches very far.
The site is named after Lalla Setti, a female saint highly respected in western Algeria, whose mausoleum stands on the plateau. Landscaped as a leisure area, it has become a favorite spot for Tlemcen families, especially at weekends and on summer evenings.
How to get up to the Lalla Setti plateau
By cable car from the Grand Bassin
Opened in April 2009 and built by the Swiss company Garaventa, the Tlemcen gondola links the Grand Bassin park in the city center to the top of the plateau. The 1,689-meter ride is split into two sections, with an intermediate station on boulevard de l'ALN, and takes about five minutes. Closed in 2015 for renovation, it reopened on 3 November 2018.
The ride is an attraction in itself: the cabins glide over the city's rooftops before skimming the cliff, with the view widening at every meter.
By car or taxi
The plateau road winds up from the center: allow 8 km and about 15 minutes. It is the best option if you want to stay until sunset or combine Lalla Setti with other sights on the same day. If you land at Zenata, the plateau is 38 km from the airport: with a rental car from Tlemcen Airport, you can be there in 40 minutes.
What to do on the Lalla Setti plateau
- Take in the panorama from the viewpoints along the cliff edge, the best place to understand Tlemcen's geography.
- Stroll through the park: lawns, paths, a lake and playgrounds for children.
- Walk under the pines: forest tracks lead away from the plateau for a quiet stroll far from the crowds.
- Have a picnic or a coffee on a terrace facing the city.
- Visit the mausoleum of Lalla Setti, respectfully, as many visitors come to pray.
- Photograph Tlemcen at golden hour, then at nightfall when the city lights up.
When to go to Lalla Setti
Late afternoon is the magic moment: the low light gilds the city, then lights come on across the plain. In summer, the altitude makes evenings noticeably cooler than in town, which explains the crowds. In spring, the lawns and forest are at their greenest.
In winter it can be cold and windy on the plateau, and snow is not unusual in some years: bring a warm jacket. To avoid the crowds, choose a weekday.
Combining Lalla Setti with other visits
The plateau is 7 km from the Mansourah ruins and 13 km from the El Ourit waterfalls: two perfect afternoon stops before heading up for sunset. It is also the finale of our Tlemcen in one day itinerary.
To discover the rest of the city, browse our selection of things to do in Tlemcen and our complete Tlemcen guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get up to the Lalla Setti plateau?
There are two options: the cable car from the Grand Bassin park in the city center, or the plateau road, 8 km of bends from the center, about 15 minutes by car or taxi.
How long is the cable car ride?
About five minutes for a 1,689-meter route, with an intermediate station on boulevard de l'ALN.
What is the altitude of the Lalla Setti plateau?
The plateau stands at about 1,000 meters, making it noticeably cooler than central Tlemcen, especially on summer evenings.
What can you do on the Lalla Setti plateau?
Enjoy the panorama over Tlemcen, walk in the park and under the pines, have a picnic or a coffee on a terrace, visit the mausoleum of Lalla Setti and watch the sunset.
Can you go to Lalla Setti in the evening?
Yes, the plateau is very lively on summer evenings and offers a superb view of the illuminated city. As the cable car does not run in the evening, plan to go up and come back down by road.
Sources
