How far is Grand-Bassam from Abidjan?

Forty-five kilometres, about an hour on the coastal road. The road is tarmac throughout and any vehicle is suitable.

Why is Grand-Bassam a UNESCO world heritage site?

For the Quartier France, the preserved colonial town from its period as the first capital: administrative buildings, trading houses and villas with arcades and verandas, inscribed in 2012.

Can you swim at Grand-Bassam?

Yes, but with care. The Atlantic breaks hard here and there are undertows. Swim only where others are swimming and not far out.

What is the Abissa festival?

The best-known popular festival in Ivory Coast, held by the N’zima in Grand-Bassam in October and November, with a week of dancing, drumming and masked performance.

Is Grand-Bassam worth visiting?

It is the most common day trip from Abidjan: a UNESCO colonial quarter, a long beach with grilled fish and a craft market, all within an hour of the city.

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Grand-Bassam: UNESCO world heritage, beach and the old capital.

Grand-Bassam was the first capital of the French colony and is now a UNESCO world heritage site: a street of weathered trading houses and administrative buildings between the lagoon and the Atlantic, with wide beaches and restaurants at the water’s edge. Forty-five kilometres from Abidjan, it is the country’s most common day trip and, for many visitors, the most beautiful place on the coast.

Weathered colonial trading house with arcades in Grand-Bassam

A trading house in the Quartier France

Weekday or weekend?

At the weekend Grand-Bassam fills up: half of Abidjan comes for the beach, the maquis are packed, and it is loud and alive. If you want to photograph the colonial architecture in peace, come on a weekday morning, when the Quartier France is almost empty. If you want the crowd, the music and grilled fish, come on Sunday.