Tunis

A visit to the medina is a must on any trip to Tunis. The medina is entered through a number of gates in the ramparts. Opening onto the aptly named Victory Square, the Bab El-Bahr (or French Gate) is the most famous. Here you will be dazzled by the whiteness of the houses and the maze of narrow streets and covered passageways. You'll see mosques, Koranic schools (‘madrasas’) and mausoleums. And don't forget the richly decorated doors with their patterns of metal studs and interlacing designs, which you imagine might open out onto a noble home with verdant patios and cool fountains. Unesco made no mistake when listing it as a World Heritage Site.

Like to take home some souvenirs of your holiday in Tunis? You're sure to find some in the city's many souks: the goldsmiths’ souk, a veritable Ali Baba's cave; further on, the silk souk, the woollen souk with its multi-coloured skeins drying in garlands, then the perfumers’ souk with its sweet oriental sensuality... Whatever the setting, bargaining is obligatory! 

Good to know: just a few kilometres from Tunis, there are two places you really must visit:

Carthage, a remarkable archaeological site, and its museum containing jewellery and mosaics found during the excavation of the ancient site.    

Sidi-Bou-Saïd, a magnificent little village with white houses and blue doors, some covered in bougainvillea. 

Discover Tunisia's capital on a direct flight from Montpellier.

Sites et monuments

• Avenue Habib-Bourguiba, lined with art-deco buildings and cafés with a French atmosphere
• The Great Mosque, the most famous of Tunis, built in the 8th century and redesigned many times.
• Ed Dar, a noble 15th century mansion hidden in the medina and transformed into an artisanal site (fabrics, carpets, jewellery...).
• The three Madrasas (Koranic schools) of Palm, Bachia and Slimania. The latter opens its doors to visitors (earthenware, patio, prayer room...).
• The El-Bey Mausoleum, whose glazed tile domes and ceramic-covered walls house dozens of tombs of pashas (governors) and dignitaries. 
• The covered market El-Ghalla, to buy fruit and spices 
• The Acropolium (in Carthage), a cathedral in the Byzantine Moorish style

Parks

• Belvedere Park, an oasis of freshness that houses a small zoo and an 18th century dome.
• John Kennedy Park, which borders the lake of Tunis, a few minutes walk from the medina.

Museums

• The Bardo National Museum, a former 19th century palace/harem of Andalusian-Moorish style, which exhibits the archaeological remains of the most famous Tunisian sites.
• Dar Bach Hamaba, a rich 17th century palace with zellige-tiled walls, transformed into a cultural centre dedicated to the arts of the Mediterranean.
• Tahar Haddad cultural centre, set up in the vaulted stone and brick rooms of former stables (exhibitions, concerts...).
• The National Museum of Carthage, at the gates of Tunis, displays statues, jewels and mosaics found during the excavations of the ancient site. 
• The centre of Arab and Mediterranean music, housed in an Arab-Andalusian palace in the neighbouring village of Sidi-Bou-Saïd.

Dishes

• Brick - this fried pancake is a classic of Tunisian cuisine. It can be garnished with an egg, tuna, stuffing, cheese...
• Tajine - in Tunisia, this is an omelette au gratin that mixes chicken, cheese and potatoes.
• Couscous - a fine semolina drizzled with broth (harissa), garnished with lamb, chicken or fish.
• Gargoulette - lamb or mutton simmered slowly in a terracotta jar 

Desserts

• Dates - to be eaten fresh from October onwards
• Baklava - a cake filled with hazelnuts or almonds
• Makroudh - a semolina cake flavoured with almonds and orange blossom 
• Bouza - a cream based on ground dried fruit

Drinks

• Mint tea - not to be missed! Almonds or pine nuts are sometimes added. 
• Orgeat syrup – barley water made with almonds or pistachio nuts
• Wine* - excellent wines (red or rosé) can be found, mainly in the Cap Bon region (northeast), about 60 km from Tunis.
• Boukha* - a fig brandy that can be enjoyed as a digestive
• Thibarine* - a liqueur (40°) prepared with dates and herbs

*alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation