Abidjan Off The Beaten Path

The buildings of the colonial era in Grand Bassam are built between 1894 and 1920. All these buildings are in the old section of the town near the water. It is a pity, but many buildings are in various stages of decay.

Some are restored like the governorshouse (now a museum) and the townhall.

43 KM east of Abidjan we visited Grand Bassam. At the narrow strip between the lagoon and the ocean, the Old Town the French colonist set up their capital, separated from the locals at the other side of the lagoon.

In 1893 Grand Bassam was declared to be the capital of the french colony. But six years later a yellow fever epidemic broke out and the French people left the area for Bingerville.

Now you will find only the remnants of that bygone era. Nowadays the people of Abidjan come to this place for the sun and the beach.

Two places offer unique evening dining experiences. The Village Ki-Yi, which serves an informal buffet in a garden atmosphere. Guests are treated to a dance performance by the Group Ki-Yi, an established dance company that portrays a number of West African ethnic groups.

More formal is the Wafou Dinner Club, where patrons are seated at tables offering a splendid view of the stage in a small indoor arena that boasts a most unusual décor. Here the performance is slicker with mood lighting and theatrics thrown in.

In the daytime, the Treichville Market is a haven for bargain hunters.

Grand Bassam. Former capital of the country, now it's a small town by the sea less than an hour away from Abidjan. Makes for an excellent day trip. Interesting old worn-down colonial buildings, lots of crafts for sale along the road leading into town.

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There are a number of small fishing communities dotted along the lagoons,and the locals will make you very welcome

On the road between Abidjan and Grand Bassam you come across loads of stalls the wood carvings depicting the Colonial french are very good value, I just hope the tourists come back one day