Our North American offices are located in Clinton, Washington. It takes us about 6 weeks to make enough product to fill up an ocean container. This container then takes about 6 weeks on average to move from Tunisia to Clinton. In Clinton then, we have a 12,000 square foot warehouse where we maintain our inventory for American and Canadian customers. European and Asian orders ship directly from Nabeul.
The name "Le Souk Ceramique" is a combination of Arabic and French. The "Souk" is the "marketplace" in Arabic. In every town and city, you will find a souk and in these souks you will find many items of traditional artistry. Nabeul is known for ceramics, Sousse is known for metalwork, Sidi Bouzeid for olive wood, Kairouan for carpets, and the list goes on. So across Tunisia and North Africa, these souks are filled with color and texture and make for hours of adventure just wondering around. Aside from handicrafts, there are also spices and clothes and fruits and vegetables. A trip to the Souk is a highlight for any traveller to Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and beyond.
About Tunisia
With a warm climate and a long and gentle coastline, Tunisia is the northernmost country in Africa, nestled just across the Mediterranean Sea from Italy. Tunisia has, for over 2000 years, witnessed the passage of Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Turks, Italians, Spanish and French and others. They came as fugitives and adventurers, to conquer and claim, as warriors and missionaries, traders and farmers, each leaving behind a part of their culture. Tunisia has a Western-oriented outlook now in modern times. As a close neighbor to Europe, their main trading partners are France, Italy and other EU nations. Since independence from France in 1956, Tunisia has placed a huge emphasis on education. This educated people and workforce has led many European companies to invest in Tunisia for their manufacturing facilities. Modern Tunisia also plays a pivitol role in helping bridge the gap between the Muslim world and the Europe and the West. Tunisia's emphasis on moderation and tolerance is one reason why 6 million Europeans vacation there each year. Unfortunately, Tunisia is not too well known in the US but we would encourage everyone to consider a trip to Tunisia soon, especially after the revolution in January 2011. It would be a great gesture of support. And if you do make it to Nabeul, please stop by for a visit. We're at 49 Avenue Mongi Slim (also shown on some maps by it's former name, Rue de France), not far from the main Souk, just past the government offices and near the cemetary.
Tunisia is located directly south of Italy on the southern shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The penninsula jutting out on the northeast part of Tunisia is named Cap Bon. Nabeul is located on the southern side of Cap Bon right on the coast.
Above is our studio at 49, Avenue Mongi Bali in Nabeul. On some maps, the street is still referred to by it's old name, Rue de France.
Above is the Le Souk Ceramique office and warehouse in Clinton, Washington, USA, near Seattle.