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, creating a period called the French protectorate of Tunisia. This lasted until 1956 when Tunisia became independent.

After Tunisia gained independence, relations had their ups and downs. 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 never be the only partners to each other again.

Later, from 1987 until 2011, France did not speak out against Tunisia’s leader, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, even though many peaceful people were hurt. Ben Ali finally left office. In October 2023, people in Tunisia showed anger toward France by gathering near the French embassy, upset about the French president’s visit to another country and asking 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