Grand-Bassam is a town on the coast of Ivory Coast, in West Africa, close to the economic capital Abidjan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was once the country's colonial capital, a history still visible in its streets and buildings.
What to see
The town is known for its well-preserved French colonial architecture. Walking through its older quarter, you pass elegant buildings that recall the period when the town served as the seat of colonial administration. The architecture is the main reason many visitors come, and it gives the town a distinct character unlike the modern cities nearby.
Grand-Bassam also holds cultural sites and museums that help explain its past and the wider history of the country. Visitors interested in heritage will find plenty to occupy a day or more.
Beaches and the coast
Its position on the coast means the beaches are a natural part of a visit. Many travellers combine a stroll through the historic streets with time by the sea, which makes for a relaxed contrast between the town's formal architecture and its open shoreline.
Planning your visit
- Allow time to walk the historic centre at an easy pace.
- Plan a visit to the museums and cultural sites alongside the architecture.
- Consider Abidjan as a base, since the town lies within reach of the larger city.
- Bring time for the beaches if you want a slower day by the coast.
Grand-Bassam suits visitors who want to understand Ivory Coast's colonial past through its buildings and places, and who enjoy a quieter coastal town rather than a busy city centre.