Comme la nature y est belle et généreuse! les monuments multiples témoignent de l'intérêt des générations passées pour la richesse agricole de cette région et ses ressources en eau! malheureusement les gouvernements tunisiens successifs ont délaissé ces terroirs et méprisé ses habitants pour leur ruralité !! Heureusement que la révolution de janvier 2011 partie de ces régions a montré la fierté et courage de ces habitants qui espèrent beaucoup pour leur avenir!
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malheureusement espoir déçu, à en croire ce qui s'y passe en ce moment
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et un article de 2011 qui a prédit le sort qui attendait cette ville:
Siliana, l'oubliée
Mohamed Ali BEN MUSTAPHA Publié dans Le Temps le 14 - 05 - 2011 Pour ceux qui ne connaissent pas Siliana, il s'agit d'une ville chef lieu du gouvernorat du même nom. Elle est située à 125 km au sud ouest de Tunis, plus proche de Tunis que beaucoup d'autres villes et pourtant quand on jette un coup d'œil sur le niveau du développement on se retrouve devant un écart qui se passe de tout commentaire ! Au moment où on constate un niveau plus que respectable dans les régions côtières, Siliana se retrouve à la traine.
En effet, malgré que la région de Siliana est dotée d'une richesse naturelle rarement retrouvée dans d'autres contrés de la Tunisie et malgré sa proximité de Tunis, elle a été complètement délaissée.
Si l'Agriculture constitue la principale activité de ses habitants sa rentabilité reste en deçà de leur espérance et elle ne pourra jamais subvenir à leur besoin le plus élémentaire. Mais la région possède d'autres atouts faits de la richesse forestière ou le capital antique tel que les vestiges de villes romaines, je ne nommerai que Zama, Maktaris ou encore Ozapa.
Mais tous ces atouts n'ont pas suscité l'intérêt des responsables politiques durant les 55 ans d'indépendance. Ils n'ont jamais essayé de doter la région d'une industrie agroalimentaire, qui est sa vocation par excellence ni même encourager le tourisme culturel ou écologique, ainsi la région n'a connu pratiquement aucun développement.
Mais ce qui est inquiétant, c'est que Siliana va connaître probablement le même sort après la Révolution.
En effet la Tunisie ne se résume pas au littoral pour le tourisme
La révolution est partie des régions centre-ouest, depuis janvier 2011 "les laissés pour contre" ou "laissés pour compte" antérieurs et toujours actuellement ne se laissent plus faire.
Merci pour vos informations sur cette région abandonnée.
La situation est bien compliquée et triste en Tunisie.
Les Tunisiens sont arrivés à faire fuir le dictateur Ben Ali.
Les slogans étaient alors tournés vers les libertés, le droit au travail, l'arrêt des corruptions, etc.
Tout était parti de Sidi Bouzid, avec comme détonateur la mort d'un jeune qui ne demandait que du travail...
Près de 2 années se sont écoulées depuis.
Les Tunisiens ont voté pour l'Assemblée Constituante il y a un peu plus d'un an... Ils ont voté pour les partis Islamistes.
Mixer la religion, la politique et le pouvoir est toujours compliqué et rarement réversible.
C'était leur choix.
Les touristes ont fui, la pauvreté a empiré, certaines libertés ont progressé, d'autres ont reculé.
La corruption est toujours là, mais dirigé par d'autres.
Les pauvres de Sidi Bouzid sont encore plus nombreux qu'avant...
Et leurs manifestations sont violemment réprimées, tout comme à Siliana.
Les partis islamistes au pouvoir dirigent le pays, en l'attente d'élections sans cesse repoussées.
C'est au peuple Tunisien d'accepter cette situation ou de se soulever à nouveau.
Ben Ali était parti bien vite, et en fin de compte assez facilement (comparé à d'autres révolutions récentes ou en cours).
La partie actuelle semble autrement plus compliquée...
Mais encore une fois, l'avenir appartient aux Tunisiens et à eux seuls.
Vous savez, le toursime a toujours été inexistant dans ces régions du centre.
Mais vous avez raison, les Tunisiens sont libres de leur avenir, tout comme les touristes sont libres d'aller où ils le veulent.
Personnellement, je ne suis plus retournée en Tunisie depuis plusieurs mois, car autant j'étais "raccord" avec les évènements de 01/2011, autant les dérives et la radicalisation montantes ne me conviennent plus.
C'est également mon droit.
Mon amitié avec la Tunisie remonte à plus de 20 ans, et j'en ai fait des voyages...
Amoureuse des vestiges romains et grecs, je vais maintenant ailleurs (Turquie, Liban).
Vous savez, le toursime a toujours été inexistant dans ces régions du centre.
Mais vous avez raison, les Tunisiens sont libres de leur avenir, tout comme les touristes sont libres d'aller où ils le veulent.
Personnellement, je ne suis plus retournée en Tunisie depuis plusieurs mois, car autant j'étais "raccord" avec les évènements de 01/2011, autant les dérives et la radicalisation montantes ne me conviennent plus.
Iris les manifestations à Siliana (ce n'est qu'un exemple), mais tout ce qui se passe au moment où je poste : c'est justement la société civile qui dénonce et essaie de faire front contre "les dérives et la radicalisation montantes"
1ère élection libre, il y a juste un an pour établir une nouvelle constitution : aucun parti (évidemment sous B.A. pas d'opposition), les Tunisiens ont voté Ennahda (il n'y avait rien en face) : ces personnes qui sont "réapparues" après la fuite de ben Ali, ont passé des années en prison puis asile politique en Occident, ils sont déconnectés de la vie de leurs concitoyens.
Les "nouvelles violences" : c'est justement le cri du peuple qui c'est fait blouzer
La majorité des Tunisiens se révoltent contre les Salafistes-intégristes (qui pour eux "foutent le bor-del), ils veulent défendre leurs acquis, et surtout vivre mieux c'est à dire décemment et respectés.
Bonsoir,
Vous avez compris que je suis mesurée dans mes propos.
L'avenir appartient au peuple Tunisien et à lui seul.
Lorsque vous parlez d'élections libres, je je suis sceptique sur le "libre".
Comment peut on faire des élections en interdisant tous les partis d'opposition? même les affreux de l'ancien régime?
Résultat des élections tronquées avec près de 100 listes, dont la plupart totalement inconnues ou représentatives d'une seule famille... Il est donc logique que les tunisiens votent pour ce qu'ils connaissent, les mouvances islamistes.
Les Tunisiens se sont fait berne par ces élections "libres"!
Maintenant que les salafistes sont au pouvoir "legitimement", ils ne sont pas prèts de le lacher!
Dans chaque village, même reculé, il y aura toujours des religieux pour dire au peuple ce qu'il doit voter... (en agitant la peur des ami de B.A). Dans ces villages, l'opposition crédible ne peut pas être représentée durablement.
Lorsqu'on mélange la religion, le pouvoir et la poliqtue, c'est rarement réversible pacifiquement ou démocratiquement... ou alors dans la violence, avec une nouvelle révolution.
Les actualités de l'Egypte sont là!
Ben Ali est parti rapidement et assez facilement en fin de compte (comparer à la Libye ou à la Syrie).
Je doute que les salafistes abandonnent la Tunisie aussi facilement...
Tout ceci pour dire que je suis sceptique et que je préfère m'orienter vers d'autres cieux, plus accueillant.
Je ne suis qu'une touriste.
I was wondering if it’s possible to join a group as a solo traveler with local agencies in Djanet for circuits like Tadrart, Essendilene, Sefar, or Tassili?
If you have any agencies to recommend, I’d love to hear about them.
I didn’t find any info on the forum.
Best,
We're planning a 2-week trip in late February/early March for a road trip in the High Atlas with a rental car, and we'd love to avoid booking our accommodations in advance. Is that doable, easily manageable, or risky (are accommodations available, expensive, or not great)? Thanks for your tips!
Annie
Hi,
This autumn, we’re planning to explore the Oriental region and we’re wondering where the best place to land would be. We’ll have three weeks ahead of us and we’ll be renting a car.
Any tips would be much appreciated. Thanks.
Is there an official website or list of certified Egyptologist guides in Egypt? And most importantly, what are the normal prices for a full day or half day? There’s so much scamming and crazy pricing—depending on who you contact, it can range from simple to quadruple!!!!
Thanks
Hi everyone,
We're leaving in early October 2026 and planning to travel from the Aït Bougmez Valley ("Happy Valley") to Skoura/Ouarzazate via Demnate and the R307/N23 route.
Has anyone taken this road recently? Is it passable with a regular car (non-4x4), or is a 4x4 absolutely necessary? Are there any ongoing construction projects or degraded sections to be aware of?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Hello,
In September, my wife and I, along with another couple, will be traveling to Tunisia and staying at the Sheherasade Hotel near Sousse.
We’d love to hear your recommendations or tips on places to visit, as well as advice on taxis or other transportation options.
Thanks in advance!
This autumn’s trip should be in Morocco—barring any geopolitical issues between now and then.
After many trips to the south of Fès, I’m giving the north a try.
My plan is roughly to do a road trip loop from Rabat back to Rabat, passing through Asilah, Tangier, Tétouan, Chefchaouen, Akchour, Fès, Meknès, and Volubilis.
That’s a lot of cities.
Probably a bit too many for our taste—we usually prefer more isolated spots...
So I’m looking for tips on little backroads, secluded beaches, half-day hikes, and offbeat places.
If you’ve also got recommendations for accommodation... (We’re open to splurging over 100 € if it’s a real favorite.)
Feel free to think outside the box—this is an open-ended plan! !😉
Hello,
I’m looking for testimonials from Pieds-Noirs who have recently returned to Algeria.
There can’t be many left after 65 years of the country’s independence.
I’m planning to go back myself soon to reconnect with my roots... before I pass away...
I’ve started making a few pre-bookings for hotels and apartments to rent in Algiers. At first, I received friendly and welcoming responses. Then, when I mentioned I wanted to stay for two or three weeks—maybe even a month—explaining that my trip wouldn’t be strictly touristy but more of a pilgrimage to the places of my childhood, and that it would likely be a very emotional journey, I expected a positive and warm reaction to my approach. Instead, I suddenly stopped getting replies from the three or four people I’d contacted. So now I’m wondering about the reception former Pieds-Noirs can expect...
Anyone here who can share their experience of returning? I specified “recently” because it seems that right now, diplomatic relations between the two governments are extremely tense, not to say hostile... even if Macron claims otherwise...
Hello,
I’m traveling to Algeria from October 27 to November 16, 2026.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through the process about the accommodation attestation required for the visa application:
- Does it need to cover the entire duration of the trip?
- Is this document mandatory for a hotel to rent a room?
- Is it checked during inspections?
- Is a hotel booking (e.g., via Booking.com) sufficient for the visa?
- If so, does it need to be paid in advance?
I plan to visit several cities and do one or more treks with a guide or agency.
If you have any contacts you’d recommend, I’d be grateful!
Also, I’d love to share this trip with a companion who’s already done some traveling.
We’d organize the journey together, of course.
Thanks for your feedback!
Safe travels to all,
Dom, Dijon, 64 years old
I’m leaving for Tunisia in five weeks for a full 15-day trip. I’ll be arriving in Monastir and departing from there as well.
I’d like to do a route that’s a bit different from my first stay, which was more focused on cities and culture (Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan, El Jem).
I’ll be getting around by public transport.
I’d like to head south toward Tozeur, and I saw that you can take a *louage* from Monastir to Sbeitla (2h30). I imagine it’s not too complicated to get to Tozeur from there afterward? The issue is the return trip to Monastir and safety in Sbeitla.
If this route seems too complicated, I might opt for Djerba instead, which looks simpler.
I’m heading to Morocco in September 2026, and part of my trip takes me through Merzouga. I’m looking for a 4x4 driver-guide to explore the area with my partner and me.
Even though I come to Morocco four times a year, it’s been a long time since I’ve made the trip by car. I need to refresh my knowledge! I’ll be traveling in early October. I have a car that’s about 20 years old. The plan is to cross via Algeciras/Ceuta.
A few questions:
1) Does this crossing still exist? If so, do I need to buy the ticket in advance or on the spot? From whom? Any advice is welcome!
2) What documents are required for the car?
3) If anyone is making the trip around the same time, it could be fun to drive together 😊
Hi there,
I’m looking for some friendly recommendations for places to stay in Marrakech for 3 nights in June 2026.
In the meantime, have a great day, everyone! Thanks so much in advance.
I’m reaching out to gather your thoughts on an itinerary (10 days... or more?) I’d like to do at the beginning of June 🙂.
Just so you know, I’m planning to do this trip solo (25 years old), using only public transport and just a backpack. I’ve already been to Marrakech and climbed Mount Toubkal two years ago...
I’ll be arriving in Tangier.
Day 1-2: Explore the city center, hike around Cap Spartel...
Day 3: Stop in Tetouan
Day 4-5-6: Chefchaouen and a day hike in the Rif Mountains
Day 6-7: Discover the city of Fes (I’ve heard so many great things!!)
Day 8: Stop in Meknes and possibly visit the historic site of Volubilis
Day 9-10: Rabat (I’ve heard mixed things... some good, some bad)
After that, I have the choice of heading back to Tangier for my return flight... or going down to Agadir (also a possible return flight) and extending my trip by 5 days :)
From what I can tell, everything is well connected by bus (CTM) or train (ONCF).
Another question: Is the vibe in Moroccan youth hostels for meeting people the same as what you’d find in Western Europe?
Thanks in advance for your replies and your kindness! 😊
Tickets for entry to Majorelle Garden are only issued online via an official site
(though there are fraudulent sites out there). On the official site, they ask for legitimate info
(name, nationality, etc.). What made me go "hmm" was the request for both an email address
AND a password (with confirmation). Is this normal?
Thanks for your replies.
Hi there, a group of girlfriends and I are heading to Tunisia. We’d love to know how much cash we should bring for 6 days, considering everything’s already paid for at the hotel. Thanks for your tips!
I’m finalizing the loop I’d like to do in May over 13 days, starting and ending in Essaouira.
We’re planning to rent a vehicle and are pretty active—we’re not really into crowds (that’s why I’ve decided to skip Marrakech).
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Trip Proposal Summary:
From May 13 (morning arrival) to May 26 (morning departure)
Arrival and departure: Essaouira
Day 1 (May 13): Arrival in Essaouira – Settling in / Exploring / Rest
Day 2 (May 14): Essaouira – Water activities
Day 3 (May 15): Essaouira to Tafraoute (~5h30) – route via Agadir – arrival and first exploration; Question: Is a detour to Taroudant worth considering?
Day 4 (May 16): Tafraoute – Hike in the granite rocks – wild bivouac
Day 5 (May 17): Tafraoute – Aït Mansour gorges – oasis – night in a hostel
Day 6 (May 18): Tafraoute → Foum Zguid (~5h) – transition route – simple overnight or bivouac
Day 7 (May 19): Foum Zguid → Zagora (~3h) – Draa Valley – desert prep
Day 8 (May 20): Zagora → M'Hamid El Ghizlane → Erg Chigaga – departure with 4x4 guide – entering the dunes – bivouac
Day 9 (May 21): Erg Chigaga – full desert day – walking, exploring – bivouac
Day 10 (May 22): Desert → Ouarzazate (~5–6h) – leaving the desert – rest
Day 11 (May 23): Aït Benhaddou – early visit – short hike – overnight stay
Day 12 (May 24): Aït Benhaddou → Telouet – route toward the Atlas – start of trek – bivouac
Day 13 (May 25): Atlas → Essaouira (~5–6h) – end of trek – return to Essaouira (overnight)
Day 14 (May 26): Essaouira – free time + return flight
What do you think?
I aimed for an excursion to the Chigaga desert from M’Hamid because it seems less touristy and allows for a more compact loop. Is that a good idea? Is the drive to M’Hamid maybe too tedious?
Open to your great tips if there’s room for optimization!
A lot of people find it important to stick to their budget when traveling—not to skimp, but to visit as many places as possible since traveling is their hobby.
In this post, I want to share some tips for those coming to Morocco who want their trip to be budget-friendly.
1. Prebook everything: hotels or riads, car rentals, or tours. If you book these in advance, it’ll make your life easier. You won’t have to deal with hagglers or people trying to overcharge you for services that are available online for free. Use platforms like Booking, Expedia, carsrental.ma, Airbnb, and other booking services to get this done properly.
2. Exchange your money to Moroccan dirhams as soon as you land. 1 € is always a little over 10 dirhams, but many people get charged as if it were exactly 10 dirhams per euro.
3. When visiting an old site or the old medina, avoid talking to vendors and shop owners—they’re really good at getting your attention and making you overpay for things.
4. Ask your tour guide to buy things for you. Yes, they do get a commission, but you’ll probably pay way more if you buy something yourself that they can get cheaply.
5. Walk everywhere. You don’t need a taxi for every little trip. Pick a good location and walk—most Moroccan cities are safe during normal hours.
6. Buy your food, drinks, etc., from supermarkets at normal prices. They can’t overcharge you since they scan every product.
Hi everyone! 😊
We’re traveling as a family to Marrakech from April 19 to 24, and there’ll be 15 of us (all ages), staying in the Targa neighborhood (El Idrissi Street).
I’d love your advice on a few things! 🙏
🚗 Vehicle rental
We’re thinking of renting 3 cars. We’ve seen really low prices online, but often without insurance.
👉 Do you have any reliable contacts or personal experiences to share?
👉 Would you recommend getting specific “tourist” insurance?
🏛️ Visits – Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
We’d like to visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, but:
We can’t find single tickets online
We only see guided tours with fixed times (like 9:30 AM / 4-hour tours)
👉 Do you know if it’s possible to book without a guide?
👉 Or do we have to buy tickets on-site? (We’re a little worried about crowds and lines, especially with older folks in the group.)
🍽️ Restaurants / meals
We’ve spotted the Grand Bazaar Marrakech for a meal.
👉 Any thoughts?
👉 Could you recommend other restaurants in the same budget? (We’re a big group, so it needs to stay reasonable.)
For lunch/snacks, we’ve seen:
Snack Toubkal
Goûter Saveur
👉 If anyone’s been, I’d love your feedback! 😊
🛒 Practical info – Targa neighborhood
We’ll be in Targa (El Idrissi Street).
👉 Are there shops nearby for quick groceries (breakfast, water, etc.)?
If you’ve got any great tips, contacts, or little tricks, I’d love to hear them! 😍
Thanks so much for your help! 💖
We’re heading to Morocco as a family from April 22 to May 8. It’s a bit short to explore such a beautiful and vast country, but school and work commitments, you know how it is...
My partner is a musician and absolutely loves Gnawa music.
Unfortunately, we won’t have time to visit Essaouira, as we’re heading south toward the Valley of the Roses...
Do you know of any places around Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Kelaat M’Gouna where we might have the chance to meet Gnawa musicians?
We’ll also be staying a few days in Aït Benhaddou and Skoura during our trip toward the Dadès Valley.
If you have any good spots to buy a guembri along the way, I’d love to hear about them too! :)
Mid-May: arriving alone (so, a "petit taxi"?) at Marrakech airport around 4:30 PM,
is it advisable to take a taxi at the airport (cost?) or is it wiser to book one through the hotel before departure (which would cost me 20 €)?
I think I’ve seen lower fares elsewhere (12 €?).
Destination: Riad Sijane near Djemaa El Fna square. Thanks!
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening
Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada
Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon
Day 6: Luxor
Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon
Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada
Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van.
Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Hi there,
We’re planning a trip to Morocco in September-October in our Fiat camper van, which isn’t a 4x4 but has already handled quite a bit of rough travel. While reading up on southern Morocco, we’ve been drawn to the Aguinane oasis but I’m having trouble locating it on the map. Is it possible to get there without a 4x4?
Thanks for your help
