With its 164 000 square kilometers, Tunisia is the smallest state of the Maghreb and is located in the north of the African continent. Enclaved between Algeria, Libya and the Mediterranean Sea, the country has a very particular relief which is distinguished by a mountainous part, the highest point of which is the Jebel Chambi at 1544 meters. In the east of the country, Tunisia covers a plain that stretches between Hammamet and Ben Gardane. Finally, the Tunisian coastal part extends over nearly 1300 kilometres of beaches.

The country has a population of some 9.5 million, 98% of whom are Muslims. The official language is Arabic even though French, which is taught in primary school, is spoken fluently by many people. Finally, the currency is the dinar, which is equivalent to about 0.7 euros: it can neither be imported nor exported but can be changed on the spot in banks.

Tunisia remains one of the favourite destinations of the French. Attracted by its beaches, deserts but also its past, markets, camel rides or 4X4, tourists are also very well welcomed by the local population.

Tunisia has a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The average temperatures for the whole country are 12 degrees in December and 30 degrees in July. The best season to take your holidays in Tunisia is the high season, from June to August but it is also the period when tourist prices soar. May and September can also be very good alternatives to go there.

Tunisia covers some 1300 kilometres of coastline including 600 kilometres of beaches. Each seaside town offers a distinct face: Djerba's hotels strive to reflect the architecture of the island's villages. In Tabarka, the long beaches are still largely undomesticated and the hotel business remains sparse. At the tip of the African continent, we also find Bizerte which, if it is not yet a tourist pole as powerful as Djerba, could well become it thanks to the creation of a marina equipped with a cruet and planned for 2012. We also like Sidi Bou Saïd, famous for its famous studded wooden doors: the tourist population is however extremely dense in summer and can reach 150000 inhabitants compared to 5000 in winter.

Tunis, Monastir, Sousse but also Hammamet and Nabeul also offer beautiful beaches. Attention however with the enormous hotel concentration in these last two cities, considered as the densest of the Tunisian coast.

In order to receive mass tourism, hotel capacity in Tunisia has increased significantly in recent years and has been accompanied by a diversification of services such as thalassotherapy. To respond to the new trends, the country is also currently considering, within the framework of a strategic study of the tourism sector by 2016, the offer of rural gîtes but also guest houses. It would also be a question of Tunisia further enriching its strictly hotel accommodation methods and diversifying its product, which until now remains essentially seaside.

A stay in Tunisia is facilitated by the presence of many international airports such as Tunis, Monastir, Djerba, Sfax, Tozeur, Gafsa and Tabarka. But one can nevertheless reach it by boat: from Marseille, one can go to the port of Tunis - La Goulette. The crossing takes 22 hours.

Art and culture in Tunisia
Tunisian crafts are very renowned. The town of Kairouan is the first centre of craft manufacturing and employs some 23,000 people. The city gave its name to a carpet of non-woven knotted stitches. Other cities of the country are famous for their manufacture of carpets and in particular Gabès or Bizerte. The Tunisian handicraft is very present in the manufacture of clothing, and in particular the jebba, the traditional national male dress and the slippers. You can also bring pottery and ceramics, such as oil lamps or amphorae, which are typical objects of ancient civilizations.

What to visit in Tunisia
Illustrated by the mythical phrase "We must destroy Carthage" launched by the Roman politician Cato the Elder, Rome's jealousy towards beautiful Carthage led to the destruction of many of the city's temples and statues. The archaeological site of Carthage, whose remains are now scattered throughout the modern city, has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, in the image of Dougga. For fans of the movie "Star Wars", a flight to Tunisia cannot do without a visit to Tozeur, famous for its desert.

Gastronomic specialities in Tunisia
Couscous, which can be with lamb, chicken or fish, is a typical Tunisian dish. You will also have the opportunity to taste the tagines, these stewed stews, which simmer for hours in the kitchen utensil of the same name. Not to mention the egg Breikhs. Pastry lovers will enjoy honey-based desserts, such as makrouds, samsas, baklavas and other gharaibas. Tunisians also love dried fruits and in particular dates, hazelnuts and almonds. To accompany these desserts, also ask for a mint tea or Moorish coffee, which is drunk with the marc that remains at the bottom of the glass.