France–Tunisia relations

France–Tunisia relations

France–Tunisia relations are the connections between France and Tunisia. These ties go back a long way, starting when France took control of Tunisia in 1881. This period was called the French protectorate of Tunisia. It lasted until 1956 when Tunisia became independent.

After Tunisia became independent, the relationship had good and bad times. In 1957, France stopped giving financial help to Tunisia because Tunisia supported nearby Algeria in wanting to be free. Tunisian President Habib Bourguiba said that France and Tunisia would not be each other's only partners anymore.

Later, from 1987 until 2011, France did not speak out against Tunisia’s leader, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. In October 2023, people in Tunisia showed anger toward France by gathering near the French embassy. They were upset about the French president visiting another country and asked that the French ambassador leave Tunisia.

Resident diplomatic missions

France has an embassy in Tunis. Tunisia has an embassy in Paris and consulates-general in Lyon and Marseille, as well as consulates in Grenoble, Nice, Pantin, Strasbourg, and Toulouse.

Embassy of France in Tunis

Embassy of Tunisia in Paris

Consulate-General of Tunisia in Paris

Consulate-General of Tunisia in Lyon

Consulate-General of Tunisia in Pantin