Sidi Bou Saïd

Sidi Bou Saïd

Overlooking the Bay of Tunis, the charming village of Sidi Bou Said is known for its dazzling white houses and blue doors, which is reminiscent of Greece. When studded doors open wide for a moment, you can see beautiful gardens and courtyards filled with roses, almond, olive, jasmine, bougainvillea. Moucharabiehs (these barred windows) guarantee the tranquility of residents and visitors to leave the imagination ... Welcome to one of the most charming corners of Tunisia.
The main recommendation in Sidi Bou is to stroll through its cobbled streets and steep. So you taste the nonchalance that prevails, and that made the success of the village. From the seventeenth century, the charm of this village has attracted the Tunisian bourgeoisie who did build palaces and stately homes. Then, from the twentieth century, Sidi Bou Said has become the darling of writers, musicians and artists such as Gide, Colette and Simone de Beauvoir.

The village owes its name to a mystic named Abu Said who settled there in the thirteenth century. Sufis, he transformed the village into a spiritual center. The main avenue Habib Thameur leads to coffee mats (meaning "high coffee"). Originally, it was part of the nearby mosque. Further, the cafe Sidi chabaane offers a splendid view of the Gulf of Tunis.

The remains of Rodolphe d'Erlanger is the only one you can visit. This English baron helped develop the reputation of Sidi Bou Said he manages to rank amateur 1915 Grand Music, he worked to promote the Malouf, the Tunisian traditional music. After his death in 1932, the palace was renamed Ennejma Ezzahra and was transformed into the Centre for Arab and Mediterranean Music. Its richly decorated rooms contain a collection of musical instruments, furniture and carpets. Be sure to take a ride in his pleasant gardens.

Sidi Bou Said is 22 km north of Tunis. By car, take the Avenue Mohammed V and the highway to La Marsa. Exit at the announcement of the village Sidi Bou Said. You can also take the commuter train and get off at TGM Abu Said station.