A town from a different age with airs of New Orleans, Saint-Louis was the capital of French Western Africa from 1895 to 1902. It is thus the oldest French town in Africa; in other words, this city is witness to a colonial past which still hangs in the atmosphere and which led it to be listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The "Beauty" on its sleepy islands is indeed packed with its very own unique assets : its houses, their coloured facades and specific architecture where verandas and arcades adorn the streets, the famous Faidherbe Bridge, its dugout races, dazzling sunsets, gardens overflowing with flowers and barouches accentuate the town's romantic ambiance.
A Mecca for Senegalese arts and cultures, the town also transforms itself into a major international jazz festival in May.
The island : The famous Faidherbe Bridge connects the island with the mainland. From afar, this small strip of land constitutes the historic part of town. Other than the Place Faidherbe, the Palais du Gouverneur, the law courts and the Great Mosque are worth the detour, as well as the Maison Peyrissac, a typical colonial building, where certain jazz festival concerts take place.
Why not also discover Senegal's entire history in one place ! With its impressive collection, Senegal's Research and Documentation Centre will let you travel back in time through Senegalese culture.
Sor : Saint Louis's new neighbourhood welcomes visitors arriving into the city.
Considered for a long time as the town's green belt, it has retained its dazzling flora in the middle of the modern architecture.
Guembeul Reserve : On the outskirts of Saint-Louis, this 720 ha reserve made of lagoons and swamps, shelters a peaceful fauna of more than 200 species of birds.
This is the place where hundreds of Sahelian wild species are being reintroduced : three species of gazelles, monkeys as well as the surprising giant tortoise.
Langue de Barbarie national Park : This park is a thin, sandy peninsula, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, located in the neighbourhood of the city of Saint-Louis and is an incredible home to sea turtles and various bird species.
From April to September, you can observe sea birds nesting as well as mating : a fabulous concert of chattering.
Go out in a dugout for an even more spectacular show.
See also : Djoudj National Park
Lompoul Desert : Stretching out over a number of kilometres to the sea, the Lompoul Desert has agreed to lend its magnificent scenery of ochre dunes to the film 'Les Caprices d'un Fleuve'. Perfect for meeting nomadic tribes, a night in a bivouac under thousands of stars is also an unforgettable moment.
Along the Senegal River : The desert winds blow in from Mauritania, the landscapes follow one mother exuberantly, time seems to sand still; you are navigating on the Senegal River. From Saint-Louis to Bakel, the river valley honours old colonial trade posts : Richard Toll and the "extravagant" Baron Roger, Podor and its old fort, Dagana, the "capital of Walo" and Bakel, the prettiest town on the river located on a headland. Lake Guiers, in the middle of a Sahelian region, offers a beautiful stroll at the heart of the savannah allowing you the privilege of discovering numerous fishing and nomadic villages.
The Bou el Mogdad :
Authentic cruising boat and old messenger for Senegal, it has been navigating since colonial times. Entirely renovated in 2006, it has kept all of its charm and invites you to go back in time, in amongst the palm groves and the Sahelian scenery, in the footsteps of old colonial trade posts. This legendary boat, with airs of a Mississippi steamer, includes beautifully decorated, comfortable cabins, which all look out onto outdoor gangways, enabling you to appreciate the diversity of landscapes and fully experience the magic of a unique adventure.
