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Town in Comoé, Ivory Coast
Photo: Joker-x http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Joker-x, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Filled to the brim with French colonial charm, Grand-Bassam is a town in the Lagunes region of Côte d'Ivoire.
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Beautiful house of worship built by the French in 1910, renovated in 2004.
After tourism, ceramics are probably Grand-Bassam's biggest industry. This is a museum of Ivorian traditional ceramic and an exhibition hall for the works of local artisans..
Town Hall
A restored French colonial building.
Costume Museum
Housed in the former French governor's palace, this architectural gem with its large outer staircase is one of the main attractions in town. Its excellent collection of traditional costumes, masks, ornaments and ethnographic photographs provides a fascinating insight in the culture and history of Ivory Coast during and outside colonial times. The 4000-m² museum premises holds various publications, models of traditional houses and life-size dancing scenes. If your budget allows, consider hiring a guide for extra information.
An elegant building that has also been restored. It no longer functions as a post office.
Law Courts
Constructed in 1910, it was used as a court until 1954. This building has not been as lucky as the other French colonial structures, and has reportedly decayed beyond repair.
Unlike some other buildings, the name of this colourful building describes what it's used for. In this "house of the artists" you can watch local sculptors and other artists working and buy their creations.
The seaside of Ancien Bassam is extremely popular among Ivorians. On the weekends, the place is packed, however, during the weekdays, you may have it all to yourself. Beware of strong currents; there are no lifeguards. Also beware of trash; the beach is quite filthy, sadly.
It's in the maquis area, along the shore of the lagoon. Serves both African and French cuisine.
Also on the lagoon's shore in Ancien Bassam, serving African food.
Reportedly to be the only pizzeria of Grand-Bassam. It has received mixed reviews.
The first nightclub in Grand-Bassam with Audio and Video Animation. VIP Space. Epilogue is open daily from 18:30 to 06:00. Tuesday is Karaoké night while Thursday is Live variété with an orchestra
Small hotel with the beach on its doorstep.
Small 7 room hotel with internet and a pool.
Nice lodge on the beach with air-conditioned rooms, a large pool and a bit of character. As the name reveals, the establishment is best known as a restaurant. Wifi is available.
Probably the most luxurious hotel in town. They have a restaurant, bar and nightclub as well as pools and sports facilities.
Hotel with restaurant, bar, pool and conference facilities.
Upscale hotel in the north of the town. Rooms are equipped as average rooms in a western country and there is a bar and a restaurant.
Grand-Bassam is 45 km east of Abidjan and the trip will take about 45 minutes by road.
Read in the guideThe town is largely divided into two distinct halves. On the south side of the Ébrié Lagoon is Ancien Bassam, the old French town where most of the colonial buildings and attractions are located.
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Abidjan · International · ABJ
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