Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE EASTERN BEACHES
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Grand Bassam
Arty and bathed in faded glory, beachside Bassam was Côte d'Ivoire's former French capit-
al, until a yellow-fever epidemic broke out there, prompting the French to move their capit-
al to Bingerville.
The city is laid out on a long spit of land with a quiet lagoon on one side and the turbu-
lent Atlantic Ocean on the other. If you take a dip, watch the strong currents.
Sights
A walk through town will take you past the colonial buildings the city is known for; some have
been restored, while others are slowly falling apart. The Palais de Justice OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP (Blvd Treich-Laplene) should be your first stop. Built in 1910, it was in this
building that members of Côte d'Ivoire's PDCI-RDA political group - that of Houphouët-
Boigny - were arrested by the French authorities in 1949, in the struggle that preceded in-
dependence. The Musée National du Costume OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (Blvd Treich-Laplene; ad-
mission by donation) , in the former governor's palace, has a nice little exhibit showing housing
styles of various ethnic groups.
If you're in the market for an Ivorian painting, head to Nick Amon's art gallery
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (Blvd Treich-Laplene) . One of Côte d'Ivoire's most respected
contemporary artists, he'll greet you with paint-splattered clothing and a warm smile. His
canvases start at around CFA50,000; profits go to an organisation that gives street kids art
classes.
Augustin Édou runs a horse-riding school OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP (Blvd Treich-Laplene) .
You can arrange riding trips (one/two hours for CFA13,000/20,000) along the coast at sun-
rise. Dugout-canoe trips to see traditional crab fishers, mangroves and birdlife can be ar-
ranged with local boatmen.
 
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