Passionately Côte d’Ivoire
After the success of the September 2024 issue, we’ve decided to bring back the special “Tourism” edition you loved so much last year. A magazine bursting with photos and colors — true to BAAB’s DNA — that showcases the very best of Côte d’Ivoire. Pages that will inspire you to move, to venture into remote regions, or simply to
It’s an invitation to discover (or rediscover) the country’s treasures: stunning tourist gems, ancestral traditions, breathtaking sites, and historic landmarks that together create Côte
So, if your next getaway is already on your mind, let our pages guide you in choosing your next destination. And for all the practical details — addresses, contacts, guides, activities, accommodation, or dining options — head over to our website baab.ci : you’ll
ABIDJAN ZOO
ABIDJAN - DOKUI
Tucked away in the heart of the city, the Abidjan Zoo offers a fun and educational outing to discover the wildlife of our regions: lions, leopards, zebras, a variety of monkeys, warthogs, reptiles, gazelles, birds… and even CAN the elephant ! A nature immersion that everyone will enjoy.
THE HIPPOS OF THE BANDAMA
TABOITIEN - TIASSALÉ
Just a few kilometers from Tiassalé, and in other spots along the Bandama River, several large hippopotamus families have made their home. Finding them is both a moment of wonder and a true reward !
THE WATERFALLS OF MAN
Spectacular during the rainy season, these tiered waterfalls create breathtaking natural scenery and refreshing little oases to cool off.
TIAGBA STILT VILLAGE
100 KM FROM ABIDJAN
PSet on an island in the middle of the lagoon, between Dabou and GrandLahou, Tiagba is a true curiosity with its stilt houses and fishermen’s dwellings.
art of the Jacqueville district, Tiagba — once called Goose Island — covers 2 hectares of red laterite soil, much of it still untouched. From the old church to the former classroom, from the tiny corner shop to warm encounters with villagers, let yourself wander through its narrow alleys. An immersion into the daily life of this fishing community — an experience not to be missed !
LAHOU KPANDA 130 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Between sea and lagoon, this village offers a deep dive into the traditions of fishing communities. From women smoking fish the traditional way to the colorful dances of decorated boats, it’s a fascinating spectacle to witness.
AZAGNY NATIONAL PARK
100 KM FROM ABIDJAN
At the gates of Grand-Lahou, this 19,000 hectare nature reserve boasts a rich ecosystem of swamp savanna, mangroves, and palm groves.
TAÏ NATIONAL PARK
600 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Atrue primeval Eden, Taï is home to nearly 1,800 plant species, including 138 endemics. But the park is best known for the many rare and endangered species it shelters, including unique chimpanzees that use more than 26 tools and are especially famous for cracking nuts.
Covering 530,000 hectares of greenery in western Côte d’Ivoire, the park is protected for its plant biodiversity and exceptional wildlife.
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Other stars of the site : wild populations of mangabeys and red colobus monkeys, whose observation has been made possible thanks to over five years of work by the park’s eco-guides to habituate primates to humans. Not to mention the other animals gracing the area: elephants, forest buffalo, and a host of rare bird species sure to delight even the most seasoned birdwatchers. A unique experience !
Photo credits : ©Ecotourisme Taï
BANCO NATIONAL
PARK
ABIDJAN
The green lung of Abidjan, a treasure shared by only a handful of cities worldwide, along with Rio. Banco National Park can be explored alone or with a guide, on foot, running, or by bike. A green escape in the shade of centuryold giants, far from the city noise, attracting more than 20,000 visitors each year and offering a chance to discover the country’s rich flora.
Three ideal destinations for a green getaway, a family outing, or simply a breath of fresh air.
DAHLIAFLEUR
NATURE RESERVE
BINGERVILLE -
15 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Originally the property of an Italian operator, this 150-hectare reserve has been managed by the State since 2004. Located on the edge of a lagoon, Dahliafleur features varied plant cover (including an impressive bamboo forest) and great floral and faunal diversity (15 mammal species, 69 recorded bird species, and hundreds of insect populations, particularly butterflies).
BINGERVILLE BOTANICAL GARDEN
20 KM FROM ABIDJAN
With its 57 hectares of greenery, walkable paths for strolling, cycling, or scootering, benches, and open areas for running, playing ball, or picnicking, Bingerville Botanical Garden is a true haven of peace and a welcome escape for city dwellers
in need of nature. A beautiful palm grove, bamboo tunnels, lush lawns, flowers, and a refreshment area shaded by centuries-old kapok trees… everything you need to enjoy a cool, peaceful break !
Their names are Assoko, Balouaté, Meha, Nyamouan, Elouamin, and Bosson Assoun — and they are all listed in travel guides to Côte d’Ivoire under the name Ehotilé Islands National Marine Park.
This archipelago of 6 islands stretches across 550 hectares, with 40% of its vegetation made up of mangrove forests: a maze of channels and tunnels, narrow or wide, that you can explore by boat with a guide, discovering their hidden treasures (the Elephant Tunnel, freshwater wells, archaeological remains and royal necropolis, botanical trail…). The islands
THE EHOTILÉ ISLANDS
100 KM FROM ABIDJAN
host a remarkable number of birds, some monkeys, manatees, and above all, an impressive colony of fruit bats.
N’ZI RIVER LODGE 45 KM FROM BOUAKÉ
Created in 2000, this 41,000-hectare nature reserve along the N’Zi River shelters an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna from the Sudanian-Guinean savannahs.
COMOÉ NATIONAL PARK
400 KM FROM BOUAKÉ
Located in northeastern Côte d’Ivoire, with a surface area of 1,149,450 hectares, this vast park is crossed by the Comoé, one of the country’s largest rivers, and stands as one of the greatest biodiversity reserves in West Africa.
KOSSOU DAM
40 KM FROM YAMOUSSOUKRO
Built in 1970 on the White Bandama River, it was Côte d’Ivoire’s first major hydraulic structure. The resulting lake covers an area of 900 km².
LAMTO SCIENTIFIC RESERVE
60 KM FROM TIASSALÉ
Created in July 1968, it shelters, among palm groves, a large population of buffalo and Buffon’s kob, as well as a geophysical station and an ecological station. A beautiful excursion !
THE CLIFFS OF BROBO 20 KM FROM BOUAKÉ
Shaped by granite quarrying, they offer a striking and unusual landscape, best admired from the top !
AHOUAKRO
ARCHAEOLOGICAL
SITE 45 KM FROM TIASSALÉ
Amusez-vous à deviner les noms de ces rochers monumentaux datant de -2300 à -2150 millions d’années ! Un vrai dédale de mégalithes.
THE HAUTE-DODO WATERFALLS
20 KM FROM GRAND-BÉRÉBY
Located in Trahé, they form a magnificent natural masterpiece and one of the main tourist attractions of the San Pedro region.
THE NAWA WATERFALLS SOUBRÉ
These beautiful waterfalls on the Sassandra River are considered sacred by the local people. They are named “Nawa” in reference to the protective spirit of the town of Soubré. They are accessible on foot.
DEBLAY ISLAND
JACQUEVILLE65 KM FROM ABIDJAN
With an area of 40 km², it is the largest island in the Ébrié Lagoon. It is reached by canoe from the village of Adessé. On the island, there are no vehicles: walks are done on foot or by bicycle.
THE PEAKS OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Côte d’Ivoire is mostly made up of plateaus in the north and plains in the south. However, it also has a mountainous relief, mainly in the west, with a few distinctive peaks.
MOUNT NIMBA
Shared between Liberia, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, Mount Nimba is the country’s highest point at 1,752 m. A source of water and a biodiversity reservoir, it is part of the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve, which covers 17,540 hectares.
MOUNT TONKUI MAN
Rising to 1,189 m, Tonkui—meaning “great mountain” in Yacouba—towers over the city of Man. Near the summit, the “Governor’s Villa” provides a view of the Sambou and Touradougou mountains, and on the horizon, the Kahoué massif.
MOUNT NIANGBO 45 KM FROM BOUAKÉ
The rocky mass of Mount Niangbo is located southwest of the Katiola classified forest. Meaning “the big mountain” in Tagbana, it rises to an altitude of 750 m.
LA DENT DE MAN
At 881 m, “The Tooth of Man” overlooks the city of Man. Its ascent offers a panoramic view reaching as far as Liberia and Guinea on a clear day.
MOUNT KORHOGO
Standing 567 m high, it is the main relief of the Sénoufo region. Climbing it offers a 360° view of the city and a beautiful sunset.
Mount Tonkoui
mount Niangbo
Dent de Man
Mount Korhogo
Tourisme balnéaire
THE BEACHES OF THE WEST
Fine sandy beaches, calm seas and turquoise waters, a succession of enchanting coves and bays — the western coastline of Côte d’Ivoire looks just like a postcard !
Monogaga, Tolou, Grand-Béréby, Ménéké, Kablaké or Boubélé are the names of some of the beaches of western Côte d’Ivoire. Each has its own uniqueness, charm, and attractions. Protected at the bottom of a bay by a line of granite rocks, hidden in the middle of dense vegetation, close to wild islets or bordering a channel… Little natural treasures that all deserve to be discovered !
THE NATURAL POOLS OF TABAOULÉ
30 KM FROM GRAND-BÉRÉBY
On Tabaoulé beach, west of Grand-Béréby, treat yourself to a magical swim in natural pools carved into the rocks by the sea. A truly enchanting moment.
THE MARINE TURTLE
SANCTUARY
30 KM FROM GRAND-BÉRÉBY
Along 30 km of beach, between the villages of Roc, Dahoua, Tabaoulé and Kablaké, thousands of sea turtles come to nest at the end of the year. Protected since 2010 by the NGO CEM (Conservation of Marine Species in Côte d’Ivoire), the site became the country’s first marine protected area in December 2020.
LA BAIE DES SIRÈNES GRAND-BÉRÉBY
Turquoise waters, fine sand, calm seas and gentle waves… everything you need to reset your mind and body! Grand-Béréby’s main attraction, La Baie des Sirènes, continues to inspire dreams. In June 2023, it was even ranked among the most beautiful bays in the world !
ASSINIE BEACHES
80 KM FROM ABIDJAN
One of Côte d’Ivoire’s most popular tourist destinations and seaside resorts. From 5-star hotels to luxury villas, from discreet guesthouses to fishing villages, from Assouindé to La Passe, Assinie offers a paradisiacal setting for both stays and relaxation. A must-see !
THE LOVERS’ ROCK SAN PEDRO
Two massive rock formations sculpted by nature, where legend says the wishes of lovers come true !
LA PASSE
90 KM FROM ABIDJAN
La Passe is the mouth of the Aby Lagoon. It marks the end of the Assinie Mafia peninsula. A peaceful, quiet place where waters meet.
BOULAY ISLAND
A little paradise on the Ébrié Lagoon, Boulay Island is just a 20-minute boat ride from downtown Abidjan.
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Named after Mr. Boulay, a former colonist who once owned a plantation there, the island is famous for its “Billionaires’ Bay,” lined with white sand and bathed in crystalclear lagoon waters. Like Assinie, it boasts private houses and chalets as well as hotels, allowing you to enjoy its unique charm.
LAKE BAKRÉ
ILE BOULAY
A 100% natural spot facing Boulay Island, where coolness and calm reign supreme. Why ? Because Lake Bakré is motor-free, remaining untouched by noise pollution.
THE FORMER GOVERNOR’S PALACE –BINGERVILLE BOYS’ ORPHANAGE
20 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Typical of New Orleans–style colonial architecture, with its majestic double staircase and louvered shutters, this beautiful building was completed in 1912 after seven years of construction. The colony’s various governors resided there until 1934, when
the capital was officially transferred to Abidjan. Before becoming the orphanage known today, the “house of 100 doors” hosted mixed-race children born from extramarital relationships between colonists and Ivorian women.
Emerson Lawson
THE PLATEAU PYRAMID
Once known as the “little Eiffel Tower of little Paris,” a symbolic building of the Ivorian miracle and a source of national pride, the Pyramid remains an impressive structure of raw concrete.
Designed by Italian architect Rinaldo Olivieri in collaboration with Ivorian architect Raymond Aka Adjo, and built between 1968 and 1973, the Pyramid offers a brutalist reinterpretation of an African market hall. With its 15 floors (about 60 meters high), it stands out as one of the first high-rise buildings in the Plateau district. To revive the soul of this iconic landmark, the “Pyramid 2023” project was launched: an open-air permanent exhibition where six international and Ivorian artists, supported by students from INSAAC, created a monumental mural.
Visiting a museum is always a discovery, a journey through history, traditions, or art! Here are three must-sees.
Opened in March 2020 in Abobo, the MuCAT is a unique cultural space fostering dialogue between different cultures. It aims to reflect both African and international artistic creation while also serving as a mirror of Ivorian creativity.
THE MUSEUM OF CIVILIZATIONS OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE
ABIDJAN - PLATEAU
With a collection of more than 15,000 pieces (masks, bronzes and statues, weapons, ornaments and symbols of power, gold weights, musical instruments, carved doors, royal furniture, textiles, everyday objects…), the museum reflects the customs and traditions of all regions of the country, as well as its colonial history. You can also discover the exhibition “Pride, Symbols, and Identity”, organized around seven themes: oratory art, social and political life, economy, royalty, archaeology and art, invention, and technology.
THE GRAND-BASSAM COSTUME MUSEUM
40 KM FROM ABIDJAN
The former Governor’s Palace, restored in 1979, is a remarkably well-preserved building
that now houses a permanent exhibition showcasing Ivorian culture and history.
THE FRENCH QUARTER OF GRAND-BASSAM
40 KM FROM ABIDJAN
The magnificent city of GrandBassam was the first capital of Côte d’Ivoire. An important trading post during colonization, it gave way to Bingerville in 1909, and then to Abidjan in 1934.
In the French Quarter, nestled between the sea and the lagoon, buildings and remnants from the colonial era still tell the story of life in the city at that time. From the former courthouse to the CFAO trading post, from the Governor’s Residence (today the National Costume Museum) to the Post and Customs Office, from the Ganamet House to the lagoon lighthouse, strolling through the streets is the best way to soak in this unique and meaningful atmosphere.
THE GRAND-BASSAM LIGHTHOUSE
Construction began in 1901 and was completed between 1913 and 1914. It went into service in 1915 with a range of 30 km and shone for 36 years before being permanently extinguished in 1951, dethroned by the Port-Bouët lighthouse.
THE ROYAL COURT OF MOOSSOU
Moossou is a small village ruled by His Majesty King Nanan Kanga Assoumou. The Royal Court is open to visitors and offers insight into the history of the Akan people and their relationship to the colonial era.
THE GLORIOUS WOMEN
On December 24, 1949, Léonie Richardo, Marie-Georgette Mockey, and Marie Koré led a women’s march from Abidjan to Bassam demanding the release of political activists imprisoned by the French colonial authorities. Although their movement was not successful, it marked the beginning of leadership among Ivorian women. This statue is dedicated to them.
THE SIDER AND GROLO MONUMENTS
Named after traditional Nzima dances associated with them, these small baroque monuments represent class rivalries expressed through song and dance, especially during the Abissa festival.
FOUNDATION
Inaugurated in 1997, the Foundation for Peace Research stands at the end of a vast marble esplanade and has four entrances located at the cardinal points. The interior alternates monumental pillars, fine marble floors, and rare wood species.
Impossible to miss with its 14-story tower offering a magnificent 360° view. A strong symbol of the city, it was built in 1973 by Olivier Cacoub, known as “the architect of the Old.” It is among the prestigious buildings constructed by President Félix HouphouëtBoigny in his hometown.
It is included in the list of prestigious buildings constructed by President Félix Houphouët-Boigny in his native village.
THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE AND THE SACRED CROCODILE LAKE
YAMOUSSOUKRO
Now closed to the public, the Presidential Palace is separated from the “popular” area by three artificial lakes and a 22 km long wall. It houses the Houphouët family crypt and the Guest House, the only building visible from the outside. In the “moats” of this impenetrable fortress lives a population of about 200 Nile crocodiles fed every evening around 5 p.m. according to a ritual unchanged for decades.
THE KANGA NIANZÈ SLAVE
ROUTE 12 KM FROM TIASSALÉ
Kanga Nianzè was, in colonial times, the last stop for slaves coming from northern Côte d’Ivoire and neighboring countries.
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THE STELE
Thanks to the “Slave Route” project led by UNESCO, Kanga Nianzè has been recognized as a witness site to the history of thousands of men and women torn from their continent. A stele commemorates this.
THE PURIFYING RIVER BODO
Near the stele, this river with mystical powers served as the “river of forgetfulness” bath for slaves on their way to Cap-Lahou for exile. Considered sacred, you must be accompanied by an authorized person to visit it.
THE ADO BRIDGE ABIDJAN - PLATEAU
The city’s fifth bridge, the Alassane Ouattara Cable-Stayed Bridge connects the communes of Cocody and Plateau. Inaugurated in August 2023, it is a major attraction in the city !
THE TIASSALÉ BRIDGE
Built in 1934, this 300-meter-long bridge is made up of 22 arches. It connects the two banks of the Bandama River and offers a view of the river and its wild landscapes below.
THE DABOU BRIDGE
50 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Connecting the coastal city of Dabou to the economic capital Abidjan, this bridge spans the Agnegy River. Constructed by Gustave Eiffel, it enabled one of the first national routes linking Abidjan to the rest of the country.
THE WEYGAND BRIDGE
15 KM FROM SASSANDRA
The first concrete bridge in Côte d’Ivoire and Africa, it was built between 1940 and 1947. It offers spectacular views of the river and the preserved Gaoulou National Park. Visit at sunset to enjoy the view and perhaps see hippopotamuses !
THE GOVERNOR’S HOUSE
SASSANDRA
A strong symbol of Sassandra’s identity, the Governor’s House was built in 1893 from prefabricated iron parts shipped from Europe. Perched on a rocky promontory at the tip of the peninsula separating the river from the ocean, the building — originally a customs pavilion — now looks like an abandoned ship. Below its terraced garden lies the old slave market.
THE SASSANDRA WHARF
THE SLAVE CAVE AT DREWIN SASSANDRA
Near Sassandra, this cave was used to capture and hold slaves before their transfer to the Americas. It is important to preserve it and perpetuate its history.
Known as the “grand quai,” it was built in 1951 and remains one of the most popular monuments of the old town. Very lively for two decades, it fell into disuse after the San Pedro port opened.
THE MEMORIAL TO THE VICTIMS OF THE SS DUMANA SUBMARINE SASSANDRA
In tribute to an English ship torpedoed during World War II off the coast of Sassandra.
ABOISSO
110 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Cradle of the Sanwi kingdom, Aboisso radiates the gentle calm of towns off the beaten track. The city offers many opportunities for strolls wandering through the town center to discover the remains of the colonial trading post of 1900 ; a bucolic walk along the banks of the Bia River in the old district; the Biaka crayfish market… A delight for all the senses !
THE MONIN BIA PALACE OF ABOISSO
130 KM FROM ABIDJAN
A true architectural curiosity, this fourlevel palace is surrounded by French-style gardens.
THE TABOU LIGHTHOUSE
65 KM GRAND-BÉRÉBY
Located at the far southwest tip of Côte d’Ivoire, Tabou is renowned for its idyllic beaches. Standing proudly in this postcardperfect setting is its lighthouse, which once guided navigators.
THE ROYAL CITY OF ABENGOUROU
200 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Meaning “I don’t like trouble” in Ashanti, Abengourou is a peaceful city. Visitors can explore the museum of royal regalia located within the royal court, as well as the Charles Bieth Museum, home to one of the country’s most renowned painting schools, from which great African painters such as Aboudia and Idrissa Diarra emerged.
THE COLONIAL QUARTER OF MATRALA
JACQUEVILLE
65 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Only a few remnants remain of the stone houses built in the 19th century by notables enriched through the palm oil trade, scattered along the seaside.
THE AIRPLANE CEMETERY –IVOIRE ACADÉMIE
SONGON
35 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Boeing 737, DC-10, Fokker 27 and 28, Antonov 12… At Songon, on the site of Ivoire Académie, retired aircraft rest in line along a former landing strip, their worn carcasses creating a surprising sight !
THE WE KNIFE DANCERS
EASTERN CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Adorned with white clay body paint, young Yacouba dancers perform somersaults, contortions, and acrobatics. Working closely with their master, they are hurled into the air and made to “land” on knives !
THE GOLI DANCE CENTRAL CÔTE D’IVOIRE
A festive dance and emblematic masks of the Baoulé people, the Goli brings strength and blessings to the villagers. The Goli masks all wear the same outfit: an animal-skin cape, a skirt, raffia leg coverings, and a staff used to bestow blessings.
THE MONKEYS OF THE SACRED FOREST
OF GBÊPLEU
8 KM FROM MAN
Dans une forêt sacrée d’environ deux hectares habite une vaste communauté de singes. Il est interdit d’y pénétrer, mais, en apportant quelques bananes, du pain ou des épis de maïs, les singes, habitués à l’interaction humaine, se manifesteront très vite en lisière du bosquet !
THE STILT MASK DANCE AROUND MAN
The stilt mask of Man is a tradition of Dan culture. Perched on stilts several meters high, dancers perform breathtaking acrobatics. A truly spectacular show !
LE BOLOYE KORHOGO REGION
The Panthère men’s dance is a Senufo initiation dance. It is the only ritual dance that can be performed in public, and when a visitor requests a performance, the entire village joins in the celebration !
THE ZAOULI AROUND BOUAFLÉ
Created to honor feminine beauty but performed by a man, this traditional dance of the Gouro people is executed during celebratory festivals, funerals, or to tell stories.
THE LIANA BRIDGES OF MAN LIEUPLEU AND ITS REGION – 90 KM FROM MAN
Made from dried lianas, these bridges are built overnight and span the Cavally River. Crossing them barefoot is a sign of respect for the initiates, with the risk of severe mystical sanctions for those who do not comply.
NIOFOIN AND ITS FETISH HOUSES
60 KM FROM KORHOGO
Round for women and rectangular for men, Senufo huts are built of earth and thatched roofs and surrounded by grain stores.
Niofoin is one of the most picturesque villages in Côte d’Ivoire. It is home to Senufo houses and a fetish house adorned with numerous dog collars from sacrificed animals. Its thatched roof is covered with an additional layer every year. Senufo houses are round for women and rectangular for men, built from earth with thatched roofs, and surrounded by granaries.
THE BEADS OF KAPÉLÉ
10 KM FROM KORHOGO
In Kapélé, near Korhogo, men shape clay balls which, once dried, painted and varnished, will be used to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
To transform these pieces of earth into pearls, artisans shape, cook and then decorate each ball by hand using natural pigments and a chicken feather by turning it between their feet! A unique skill that has lasted for centuries and a truly fascinating spectacle !
SHEA BUTTER FROM KORHOGO
In the Petit-Paris neighborhood of Korhogo, a women’s cooperative specializes in the artisanal production of shea butter. Each step of the process will be explained to you, from seed to butter. It’s physical work that requires a lot of patience and energy !
THE BLACKSMITHS OF KONI
15 KM FROM KORHOGO
Koni is one of the region’s blacksmith villages which, with its traditional blast furnaces and ancestral craftsmanship, continues the tradition of ironworking.
THE WEAVERS OF WARANIÉNÉ
Renowned for the quality of their fabrics, the weavers of Waraniéné have passed down their expertise from generation to generation.
THE WEAVERS OF TIEBISSOU AND BOMIZAMBO
40 KM FROM YAMOUSSOUKRO
In these two villages, the artisans will explain the technique used to weave, thread by thread, the magnificent Baoulé loincloths and other batiks. A source of regional pride !
THE POTTERS OF TANOU SAKASSOU
10 KM FROM BOUAKÉ
Kedjenou pots, canaries, chief’s vases, jars... in Tanou, artisan potters work with clay to create magnificent pottery. Traditional pieces, but also many contemporary designs, are fired in the village kiln and smoked with rice husks.
THE DYERS OF DAR ES SALAM BOUAKÉ
Hand dyeing is an ancient art passed down from generation to generation by the women of the region, who dye traditional fabrics in vibrant colors.
FAKAHA AND ITS CANVASES
10 KM FROM KORHOGO
The canvases known as “Korhogo canvases” are painted in this village made famous by Picasso. Here you can meet the artisans who create their works on unbleached cotton using natural dyes, sitting on the floor of their huts, with simple tools, but with confident strokes and great talent.
THE MAQUIS
In our beloved city, culinary pleasures come in all shapes and sizes! Here, eating means sharing, chatting, laughing, unwinding, forgetting... >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
The maquis are the ultimate places for conviviality around the table : these simple, popular street restaurants where people gather around a sauce graine at lunchtime, for a beer after work or to watch the soccer game on Saturday evening ! There are thousands of them in the capital ! We love them, we discover them and rediscover them : here people talk loudly, enjoy the atmosphere and indulge themselves without moderation.
THE GRAND-BASSAM CERAMICS CENTER
40 KM FROM ABIDJAN
This building is home to a dozen artisans who create, exhibit, and sell their work on site. You can also get your hands dirty and take pottery classes.
CAVA ABIDJAN – ZONE 3
In this maze of shops and workshops, you will find the best that Côte d’Ivoire has to offer. A hub of local craftsmanship and a must-see for acquiring beautiful objects and learning about the expertise of our artisans.
JEAN-SERVAIS SOMIAN’S WORKSHOP IN GRAND-BASSAM
40 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Come and admire the superb coconut wood creations of this talented Ivorian designer: mortar cabinets, Dogon ladder bookcases, fishing canoes transformed into chaise longues...
COCOA PLANTATIONS
Originally from Latin America, the cocoa tree was introduced to Côte d’Ivoire from the Gold Coast (now Ghana) during colonization. Its cultivation immediately found excellent growing conditions in the country’s forest zone, so much so that Côte d’Ivoire became and remains by far the world’s largest cocoa producer.
THE CAPITAL’S MARKETS ABIDJAN
Colorful, lively, vibrant, and often multinational, Abidjan’s markets reflect the country itself! An essential part of daily life for locals, they are the best places to get a feel for the city’s atmosphere. You’ll find everything there (fresh produce, groceries, alcohol, fabrics, clothing, crafts, etc.), with certain neighborhoods specializing in particular items.
THE PEPPER PLANTATIONS OF TIASSALÉ
copyright062016
The fruit of rich soil and the expertise of local farmers, Ivory Coast pepper is produced mainly in the Tiassalé region, where you can visit the Kapécé brand plantations.
SAINT
PAUL’S CATHEDRAL IN ABIDJAN
ABIDJAN - PLATEAU
An iconic building in the city of Abidjan, the striking Saint Paul’s Cathedral, designed by Italian architect Aldo Spirito, gives the Holy Trinity the appearance of a ship sailing on still waters. Consecrated by Pope John Paul II on August 10, 1985, it suffered serious damage during the post-election crisis and took in nearly 2,000 refuges during the Battle of Abidjan. Fortunately, restoration work, which began in 2014, has restored it to its former glory.
It towers over the Plateau skyline from a height of 70 m. At the time, some people even nicknamed it Goldorak. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
THE NOTREDAME-D’AFRIQUE SANCTUARY ATTÉCOUBÉ
This very modern work, built between 1985 and 1987, is the work of Italian architect Aldo Spirito. Known as the National Marian Sanctuary, it is the main Marian pilgrimage site in Côte d’Ivoire.
SUDANESE-STYLE MOSQUES
170 KM FROM KORHOGO
Located in Tengréla, Kouto, Samatiguila and Kong, these mosques were built between the 16th and 18th centuries. They are unique in that they are constructed from terracotta and other original materials such as pottery and ostrich eggs, which has enabled them to adapt to the hot and humid climate of the north of the country.
THE BASILICA OF OUR LADY OF PEACE
YAMOUSSOUKRO
Consecrated on September 10, 1990, by Pope John Paul II and offered by President HouphouëtBoigny to God (and to the Vatican, which owns it), it holds four historical records !
Tallest basilica in the world: at 158 meters high, it exceeds St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome by 21 meters at the level of its solid gold summit cross, its dome remaining slightly lower than that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, in accordance with the Pope’s wishes.
Shortest construction time: the first stone was laid on February 2, 1986, and until 1989, 4,500 workers of a dozen nationalities worked day and night on its construction
under the direction of Pierre Fakhoury and Patrick d’Hauthuille.
Largest area of stained glass windows ever: 7,363 square meters divided into 36 bays ranging from 43 to 92 feet high, comprising more than 5,000 different shades of color.
Widest Christian building in the world: 494 feet wide, compared to 375 feet for St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
THE GREAT MOSQUE OF PEACE YAMOUSSOUKRO
With its elegant Moroccan-imported ceramic tiles, square minarets, and intricate lace-like cladding, the Great Mosque of Yamoussoukro stands opposite the Basilica, across a stretch of water.
THE GREAT MOSQUE OF BOUAKÉ
Built at the end of the 19th century, this beautiful mosque with its pointed arches and stylized screens welcomes many worshippers from across the country and the sub-region.
NOTRE-DAME DE LA DÉLIVRANCE
ISSIA – 400 KM FROM ABIDJAN
Located at the foot of the city’s large rock, the Notre-Dame de la Délivrance sanctuary is now a major Christian pilgrimage site in Côte d’Ivoire.
BONDOUKOU
300 KM FROM BOUAKÉ
Nicknamed “the city of a thousand mosques,” this city, considered one of the oldest in the country, is, along with the city of Korhogo, one of the cradles of the Muslim religion in Côte d’Ivoire.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST MISSION HARRIS
JACQUEVILLE - 65KM FROM ABIDJAN
Harrisism, founded by William Wade Harris, a Grebo evangelist from Liberia, is one of the four major religious denominations recognized by the Ivorian state. Its largest temple is located in Jacqueville.
THE VILLAGE OF TOUKOUZOU
50 KM 50KM FROM JACQUEVILLE
This is the birthplace of the prophet Papa Nouveau, whose most important work remains the Holy Court of Hozalem, which consists of eight buildings, including the Great Church of Hozalem, the Chapel of Loda, and the Prophet’s Sanctuary.
