ArchitectureGrand-Bassam

Grand-Bassam historic town

Grand-Bassam · Quartier France

✓ Verified · 1 source

Côte d'Ivoire's first colonial capital, about an hour's drive away. Its historic quarter was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. It is also the seat of the N'zima kingdom.

A yellow fever epidemic drove the government out in 1900, and trade later moved to Abidjan's deep-water port, so the colonial buildings were 'frozen' in time.

CE QUE VOUS VERREZ · What you will see

In a seaside town, rows of colonial buildings with verandas and wooden balconies; some have collapsed under tree roots, others have become galleries and cafés.

POURQUOI · So what

It holds both colonial history and N'zima royal tradition, a place where two worlds exist side by side. Every year at Abissa the whole town comes alive.

SAVOIR-FAIRE · How to use it

The best half-day trip for guests. Open with: 'This was once the capital; a yellow fever epidemic stopped it in 1900.' End with grilled fish by the sea.

Asian and European parallelsLike Anping in Tainan or Tamsui: port, colonial buildings and today's creative scene layered together.

Where to experience itQuartier France; the National Costume Museum; a craft market on the road towards Abidjan.

On these routes

Two Days on the Coast: Grand-Bassam and Assinie