Contrasts and beauties in Tunisia

From mountainous oases to the salt desert, passing through seaside resorts and lively souks, Tunisia is a country of contrasts with multiple beauties. Report of a trip, dense and rich, of 1600 kilometers in six days.

Lush oases, in the middle of nowhere

In the south of the country, after crossing Le Chott, a large saline plain where the sun’s rays are reflected, creating mirages of sheets of water, three oases appear in the distance, nestled in the mountains: Chebika, Tamerza and Midès. Both residences and places of culture (palm trees, fruits and vegetables nourished by layers of underground water), there are dozens of oases in Tunisia. That of Chebika, clinging to the side of rocks, is particularly worth the detour. A short hike allows you to approach waterfalls of translucent water that spring from ocher and orange rocks and then to access the breathtaking viewpoint over the canyon and the Atlas mountains in the distance. It is possible to return to the village at the base via the old abandoned Berber city, frozen in time with its stone walls.

Did you know ?

The English Patientwinner of the Oscar for best film in 1997, was shot in the mountain oases of Tunisia.

The medina, heart of the city and of life

These are not markets or bazaars, but souks, called medinas. They bring together local produce stalls, local shops, mosques and residences, in the ramparts of the old part of the city. A visit to a few (those of three towns, Tunis, Tozeur and Sousse) confirms that all community life takes place there: the families filing by at a run, the boxes of stacked clementines smelling of perfume, the merchants shouting their latest bargains, dates drying in hanging bunches, buddies hopping on coffees on the terraces talking loudly, and cats and mopeds everywhere, in a maze of overcrowded alleys. In short, the medina is the comforting chaos of the heart of the city that beats… to explode!

Good to know :

Beware of pickpockets in the medinas. The compact crowd, added to the bustle of the place, is conducive to thefts.

The legendary site of Carthage

It is an obligatory stop: the archaeological site of Carthage, posted on a hill on the edge of the Gulf of Tunis, testifies to all the importance of the ancient merchant metropolis of the Punic Empire. Founded in 814 BC, the city was destroyed by the Romans and then rebuilt. It is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A short walk among the remains allows you to imagine the neighborhoods of yesteryear, with traces of ancient amphitheatres, cemeteries, circuses, forums and cathedrals, among others. Do not miss the spectacular Antonine Baths, the largest Roman bathing building built on the continent. The Romans spent their days in the baths, changing pools between their visits to the gymnasiums, of which there remains rubble.

An advice :

Admission to the site is inexpensive — the ticket costs around $5.50 — but it’s best to go in the morning to avoid the crowds and escape the heat, which can quickly become intense on the sparsely shaded site.

Seaside resorts to discover

Lounging on the beach after a thalassotherapy session, facing a turquoise sea, that’s also Tunisia. The seaside resorts of Sousse, located in a peaceful bay and whose nightlife is renowned, Hammamet, with its vast hotel zone and marina, and Gammarth, which has 10 km of fine sandy beaches, are three good choices. . They are all located less than two hours from the capital.

To remember :

The months of June to August are perfect for basking on Tunisian beaches, when the mercury is generally at its peak. However, expect to see a lot of people.

From Matmata to Tatooine

It is in Matmata, in the heart of the mountains in the south of the country, that Star Wars fans will feel at home: the Sidi Driss hotel served as filming locations for several scenes of episodes II and IV of the saga created by George Lucas. In short, this is where Luke Skywalker grew up! In the lunar landscape of the surroundings, the curious troglodyte houses, hidden in caves, also inspired the director. About 2,500 people still live today in these dwellings, which date from the 11th century.^e century.

Good to know :

The Sidi Driss hotel has about twenty rooms. One night costs $18 and includes a hearty meal of couscous. It is possible to visit the premises for free.

Or sleep

In Hammamet

At the chic Vincci Marillia hotel complex, conveniently located a five-minute walk from the thalassotherapy center of the Hasdrubal Thalassa & Spa hotel.

In Tozeur

In the southwestern part of the country, at the Ras El Ain hotel, bordered by gardens and facing a pretty palm grove.

In Sousse

At the Marriott The Pearl, a few blocks from the busiest part of town (restaurants, cafes and bars nearby).

In Gammarth

At the Golden Tulip hotel, very close to the archaeological site of Carthage, with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Tunis.

Also to do and see

– Stroll through the Roman Coliseum of El Jem, built in 228 AD and surprisingly well preserved.

– Explore the steep little streets of the picturesque blue and white village of Sidi Bou Saïd which overlooks the Mediterranean.

– Admire the Great Mosque of Kairouan, considered one of the oldest in the Western Muslim world and one of the most prestigious.

– Taste typical Tunisian dishes such as couscous, grenadine juice and omek houria salad made with carrots, olives, tuna and eggs.

How to get there

By direct flight with Tunisair, arrival in Tunis (about eight hours flight). Note that the time difference is six hours.

Part of the cost of this trip was paid by the Tunisian National Tourist Office, which had no right to look at this report.