Symbolizing southern Tunisie, Tozeur lies 450 km from Tunis and is a walled oasis town positioned at the threshold of the Sahara Desert. It is renowned for having Tunisia's most spectacular palm grove. Despite lacking sand dunes, the city displays quintessential desert landscape and overlooks the Chott El-Jerid (a Tunisian salt lake), the famous location where scenes from Star Wars were filmed. Its buildings showcase a distinctive architectural style, with structures made from sun-dried brick composed of sand and clay. Tozeur is also the birthplace of celebrated poet Abou el Kacem Chebbi. A promising prospect awaits travelers seeking authentic escape.

History

Tozeur's historical past stretches back to the 3rd millennium BC, when the Romans controlled the city they named Thusuros. This position proved vital for trade in dates and slaves transported along the Roman road connecting Gabès to Biskra. Although Berber traditions persist locally, inhabitants transitioned from Christian influence to embrace Islam, with the population becoming predominantly Arab. This era witnessed the construction of the first mosque, "el kasr," built atop a former church, followed by a second mosque upon the arrival of the Hafsides in the 13th century.

Several milestones mark Tozeur's progressive expansion. July 23, 1888 saw the establishment of a municipality, a hub for major caravan routes through the 19th century. The year 1950 underscored the region's growing tourism importance and a notable surge in date production. In 1980, the opening of the Tozeur-Nefta International Airport, dedicated to charter flights, began serving southern Tunisie.

Today

"Saharan tourism," which propelled the city's significant development in the 1990s, sparked genuine momentum. The city today hosts approximately 70,000 residents. The palm grove, now spanning 1,000 hectares, comprises nearly 400,000 palms. An irrigation system fed by over 200 natural springs has enabled the region to produce the Maghreb's largest date harvest, particularly the prized "deglet nour" variety.

A golf course established in November 2006, the Golf des Oasis, stands as one of Tozeur's primary tourist attractions. Organized excursions across various zones of the region promise to captivate visitors during their stay. It's an ideal opportunity to discover breathtaking mountain oases, including the Nefta oasis. Before departing, be sure to bring back henna, kohl, woven textiles, basketware, and antique jewelry as mementos for loved ones.

What to See in Tozeur?

Museums

Tozeur's museums immerse visitors in a compelling journey through time. Whether a passionate art and culture enthusiast or not, these are unmissable stops for anyone planning a trip to this destination.

The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions

Located in the old medina within a former Quranic school, it traces the characteristics of daily oasis life across the centuries. The interior features a bridal chamber displaying wedding gowns, African masks belonging to enslaved peoples, manuscript collections including a water distribution system for the oasis, and various intriguing artifacts.

Dar Cheraït Museum

Part of the Planet Oasis cultural center, this is Tunisie's first private museum, situated a few hundred meters from the palm grove, at the desert's threshold. It honors Abderrazak Cheraït, the mayor who pioneered cultural projects aimed at preserving Tunisian heritage. The building houses objects and artworks from Tunisian and Ottoman civilizations, dating from the 17th to 20th centuries. It also showcases extensive collections of traditional jewelry and pottery. An adjoining room displays lamps, vases, and other hand-blown glassware. Magnificent paintings by contemporary artists adorn the gallery. Each evening, a sound and light show takes place in the amphitheater, every day except Monday. For nearly an hour, audiences experience celebrated Oriental tales such as Aladdin and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.

Eden Palm Museum

Beyond housing a conservatory garden, the museum reveals an authentic landscape representing Tunisia's emblematic figure: the date palm and the date itself. A visit to Eden Palm offers the chance to enjoy tea in the caretaker's cottage, meet artisans, or participate in special activities.

A Stroll Through the Ouled el-Hadef Quarter

One of Tozeur's oldest neighborhoods, Ould el Hadef distinguishes itself through façades adorned with relief motifs, echoing designs found on carpets and calligraphic styles.

What to Do in Tozeur?

• Wander through the Garden of Paradise surrounded by exotic flowers and fruits;

• Visit the desert zoo and observe the Coca-Cola-drinking camel;

• Journey through the Selja Gorges aboard the Red Lizard steam train and gaze upon landscapes of verdant clay;

• Explore the palm grove and its themed park with a guide, on foot or by horse-drawn carriage;

• Savor gastronomic specialties featuring dates and palm.

Practical Information

Climate

Tozeur experiences a hot, arid desert climate. Oppressive heat characterizes the summer months, with an average annual temperature of 22°C, occasionally exceeding 50°C in the shade. These conditions remain relatively stable, thanks to the oases' presence. Rainfall is negligible, yet the city remains visitable year-round.

Tunisair and Tunis Express airlines operate regular flights from Paris, Lyon, and Tunis to Tozeur-Nefta International Airport. Should you arrive at Djerba airport, booking a taxi or minibus for direct transport to Tozeur would be most convenient. Buses remain the most economical transportation option. Shared transport services further reduce costs by splitting fares among passengers.

Taxis are the most practical means of moving within the Tozeur region. Vehicle rental is another option. Alternatively, journeys can be made by horse-drawn carriage to explore the surroundings.