The coastal town of La Marsa was home for SOUKRA founder Pauline Eveillard from September 2005 to June 2006. A 25-minute drive from downtown Tunis, the seaside neighborhood is her favorite place to see friends, shop, and discover new designers.
Boarding the TGM train at the La Marsa station
La Marsa has been a summertime destination for Tunis residents since before Tunisia’s colonial period. With its curving coastline, boardwalk, and sand beach, it is no surprise that La Marsa, which means “port” or “mooring” in Arabic, is a respite from the city’s summer heat. If you’re visiting the capital, make the drive or, opt for a local experience and take the TGM commuter train that runs along the coast from Tunis, to La Goulette, Carthage, and Sidi bou Said, before ending at its terminus in La Marsa.
Where should you go when you get there? Below, you’ll find a collection of Pauline’s favorite spots, as well as suggestions from friends and picks from the designers on soukra.co.
This is the first in a series of posts on La Marsa. To stay updated on the people, places, and products of Tunisia, and to receive special offers on products, sign up for our e-newsletter.
My Little Bagatelle store
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SHOP
My Little Bagatelle
20 BIS, RN9
La Marsa
On your way toward La Marsa on Route N9, keep an eye out for the French patisserie Palet Royal on the right (a bit past the exit for Carrefour on the left). Next door to Palet Royal is My Little Bagatelle, where you’ll find Matisse-inspired ceramics, home furnishings, and chic local fashion hand-selected by the owners, Kenza ben Ghachem and her mother-in-law. Pick up a leather tote or colorful notebook, then treat yourself to a delicious dessert at Palet Royal. Many nights after the shop closes, you’ll find Kenza at her husband’s restaurant and lounge, La Closerie, which features Italian Mediterranean cuisine. Located in a beautiful setting in La Soukra, the music program changes every night.
In addition to La Closerie, find Kenza at these spots after the sun sets:
“I also like La Salle a Manger in Tunis, where they serve delicious French cuisine. To relax by the sea and swim between plates of sea urchin and grille fish, dine at Le Golf restaurant in La Marsa. More ‘popular’ but always a good value, I eat briks (traditional Tunisian dish) and bambaloni (sweet Tunisian donut) at Saf Saf in La Marsa. For more American food and burgers, the Zinc in Tunis.”
LYOUM store in La Marsa
Lyoum
27, Rue Tahar Ben Achour
La Marsa
Lyoum is a prêt a porter brand developed between Paris and Tunis. Infused with Mediterranean influences, their 100% cotton shirts have playful sayings like “Gainsbourg Loved Harissa,” and “Hemingway Loved Couscous.” Lyoum’s stylish and comfortable wardrobe essentials are a perfect fit for the casual yet refined Mediterranean lifestyle.
Mirrors at NOA Atelier
NOA Atelier
2, Rue 9 Avril 1938
La Marsa
A few blocks from Lyoum is Nesrine Oertani’s boutique, filled with her signature monochromatic ceramics, homewares and furniture. She’s also a block from Essaada Park, where you can take a seat and enjoy the greenery, neighborhood and local residents.
EKCCI Store in La Marsa
EKCCI
1, rue Ali Kallel
La Marsa
Here is a charming boutique where you’ll find jewelry by local designers, NINA.L’s collection of leather goods, apparel and gifts you decide to keep for yourself.
NouveLLes
17, avenue Ali Belhaouane
La Marsa
NouveLLes founder Khadija Ben Cheickha creates timeless collections in chic silhouettes and materials. She opened her boutique in La Marsa in 2018, after spending years refining her eye for textiles at Hermès and French fashion house Isabel Marant.
Clothing at Moka Cioccolatah
Moka Cioccolatah
40 La, Avenue Taieb Mhiri
La Marsa
Upon entering this boutique, you’ll be seduced by diaphanous dresses, whimsical designs, and the selection of hand-embroidered dengri jackets. Owner and designer Myriam Fekih-Romdhan makes you feel at home with her warm hospitality and knowledge about how each piece is hand made by local artisans.
Find Myriam at these spots after the sun sets:
“When I want to dance, I run to Wax bar à Vinyles when the Unity group is performing. For alternative vibes, I head to Yuka when Hazem Berrabeh or Aly Mrabet are DJing.”
Rose Mandarine Children’s Store
Rose Mandarine
1, rue Slaheddine Bramli
La Marsa
A short walk from Moka Cioccolatah is Rose Mandarine’s flagship boutique carrying children’s clothing, accessories, and furniture. Their mascot is the “Chanard Tounsi,” a chechia-wearing cat that your little ones will love to snuggle with. If you have kids at home, this charming shop is a must-visit La Marsa destination.
Zina store
Zina
2, rue Habib Tamer
La Marsa
Glistening finely polished and hammered copper will lure you into this stylish boutique, where owners Adrienne and Camille Bouyssonie have dedicated years to developing high quality products with their artisan partners. Zina features a variety of home décor, from copper trays and light fixtures, to ceramics and glassware, to pillows and bedding. Find more of Zina’s products at Supersouk boutique in La Soukra, owned by cousin Isaure Bouyssonie.
XYZ Concept Store
Down the street from the TGM terminus at La Marsa is the charming loft space XYZ Concept Store. The owner Molka Saheb-Ettaba seeks out new creative brands working in apparel, jewelry, leather goods and home objects. A designer herself, Molka’s signature ceramic pomegranates in a rainbow of colors and patterns are found throughout the store.
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SLEEP
Dar el Marsa
75, Avenue Habib Bourguiba
2078 La Marsa
This hotel stands prominently on the main avenue of La Marsa overlooking the beach and Gulf of Gammarth. Its architecture respects the neighboring buildings, while offering modern amenities and design. The hotel boasts a spa, lobby bar, and rooftop with a pool, bar, restaurant and 360° views. Be sure to reserve a room with a balcony facing the beach.
View from room at Dar el Marsa
Dar Marsa Cubes
2070 La Marsa
For a more intimate experience, book a night at Dar Marsa Cubes. This B&B is tucked away in the residential neighborhood La Marsa Cubes, steps from the beach. With only five suites, you’ll enjoy modern comforts while surrounded by traditional décor. Cool off with a dip in the pool, or stroll down the coast for an afternoon bite at Le Golfe.
Dar Ennassim
4 rue
Dar Ennassim is a family-run guest house with 5 rooms and 4 suites steps away from Sidi Bou Saïd Park, Essaada Park, coffee shops and restaurants. The second floor has a rooftop pool for cooling off after hot days.
January 2022; Updated August 2022