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Capital and largest city of Gabon
Photo: Manuel Dohmen, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Libreville is Gabon's largest city and capital. It is a port city of 703,904 (2013) that is home to one third of the country's population.
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Built in 1958 by Bishop Adama, it sits close to the coastline on the site of the former Fort d'Aumale. Pope John Paul II visited here in 1981. The Notre Dame Church behind the Cathedrale Sainte Marie is actually from the 19th century, but its edifice looks like it's being eaten away by saltwater or Libreville's humidity.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
The front facade and retable behind the altar have a hand-painted airy white and blue tapestry that is quite pacifying.
L'Eglise St-Michel
This church has a Pan-African type of mosaic on its pediment, and 31 wooden columns carved by Gabonese artist Zéphyrin Lendogno that depict stories from the Old and New Testament. It is quite a sight and Libreville landmark, even if you aren't the church-going type.
Musée National des Arts, Rites et Traditions
Might be having a bit of a moment with regards to being in operation, but has an intriguing collections of sculptures and other art. Just check with the people at the chamber of commerce there if it's not appearing open.
Another museum whose status seems somewhat iffy, but it can be co-located with the Musée des Arts et Traditions du Gabon possibly.
Palais Presidentiel
The executive office of Gabonese government. Can only drive by, photography is prohibited
Another Gabonese government building you'll get harangued over if you try to photograph.
A memorial to the first president of Gabon post-independence 1960.
A smoky casino with gaming and drinks.
Fine dining.
Indian restaurant and buffet.
Italian.
Piano bar.
Disco club.
Another piano bar.
Lounge.
Short trip to/from airport. Beers on the pool deck are not expensive compared with most places. They have a pizza oven near the poolside. Free breakfast (breakfast buffet), restaurant/bar, pool, gym, hot tub, wifi, a/c, airport shuttle.
Sits adjacent to the Radisson Blu Okoume Palace, with pool, gym,
Right on the beach, but the rooms are very basic. Mattresses are foam and far from comfortable. The single rooms are the most basic, but are at least air conditioned with hot water. It is best to bring some insect spray. At 30,000 per night, the price is high for what you get. Food is good and Sunday lunch buffet recommendable. Wifi is only available in the restaurant area.
These two hotels are owned by the same French owner. They are located behind the old Komo Cinema in the Montagne Sainte neighborhood. Le Dorian has very good value rooms (newly renovated, cost around 50,000 CFA per night). The staff is friendly too.
Good mid-range hotel in Montagne Sainte (close to, but not within easy walking distance, from restaurants and Mbolo Shopping Centre) comparable to a good budget-airline: you get good clean basics (bed, bathroom, A/C, TV, empty fridge, free WiFi) and no further luxuries. Good value for money at 35,000 CFA or about €50 (2010) per night. Quite strict about checking out at 12:00 the following day if later check-out not pre-arranged.
Decent mid-range motel-style hotel located in Quartier Louis. Rooms are clean and hotel has free wifi. Continental breakfast available for 8000 FCFA (€12). Hotel is within walking distance of M'Bolo shopping center and several restaurants.
In a quiet residential area north of the city centre. This is one of the cheaper options that comes up on the popular hotel booking sites. Very small air conditioned rooms, small pool, good enough food and good wifi.
Libreville's open market experience.
Where you can find your batiks and handicrafts.
By train
Libreville is the terminus of the Trans-Gabon railway, connecting with Franceville in the interior of the country.
The best way to get around in Libreville if you don't have a car are taxis. For a trip from point A to B the fare is negotiated with the driver depending on the distance. Fares will double after 21:00.
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Libreville · International · LBV
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