Sfax, Tunisia's Second City, Attracts French Retirees
Sfax, long perceived as an economic hub rather than a tourist destination, is now attracting an unexpected population: French retirees seeking an affordable and stable living environment. Far from the crowded beach resorts like Hammamet or Djerba, this southeastern Tunisian metropolis is charming with its lower cost of living, functional urban organization, and more accessible daily life. According to several media outlets, including the French magazine Grazia, rents in Sfax can be up to two times cheaper than in France, a decisive factor for retirees with modest pensions or looking to preserve their purchasing power. Additionally, everyday expenses (food, transportation, services, etc.) are generally lower, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without excess. A Discreet Alternative to Tourist Destinations Unlike traditional Tunisian tourist cities, Sfax does not rely on hotel complexes or massive beach offerings. It is precisely this discretion that appeals to some French retirees. The city offers a calmer pace of life, a strong presence of local shops, and an urban organization focused on daily life rather than seasonal tourism. This attractiveness is part of a larger movement: Tunisia has been among the countries hosting a significant number of French retirees for several years, drawn by the geographical proximity to Europe, the Mediterranean climate, and the French language still widely spoken, particularly in services and the medical sector. Beyond economic considerations, the human dimension plays a central role in this decision to settle. Several testimonials relayed by the media mention a warm welcome, active neighborhood life, and a sense of daily security. The healthcare infrastructure, including private medical offices and clinics, is also a reassuring factor for this population, with the presence of French-speaking professionals and more affordable care costs than in Europe. Thus, Sfax appears as a city of transition, neither a tourist postcard nor a luxury expat destination, but a pragmatic living space, adapted to those seeking stability, simplicity, and budget control. If this phenomenon remains limited and far from a massive influx, it illustrates an evolution of the criteria for French retirees choosing to live abroad. Nowadays, calmness, functionality, and daily balance seem to sometimes take precedence over image or exoticism. And in this changing landscape, Sfax is imposing itself discreetly as a credible option, revealing another face of Tunisia, more ordinary, but also more sustainable for those who choose to settle there. Read also: Retirements, savings, growth: life insurance at the heart of economic issues
