Hell-Ville Central Market sits in the town of Hell-Ville on Nosy Be, the island off the north-west coast of Madagascar. It is a market of the kind that comes alive early in the day, when stallholders set out their goods and the morning crowd moves steadily between the stalls.
What you will find
The market is best known for its produce. Visitors can browse:
- Vanilla, one of the island's most recognisable products
- Ylang-ylang, the fragrant flower used in perfumes and oils
- Spices, displayed in heaps of colour and scent
- Fresh tropical fruits, bought as they are ripe for the day
Planning a visit
Go in the morning, when the market is at its busiest and the goods are at their freshest. It suits anyone who enjoys wandering among local stalls, comparing what is on offer, and seeing how daily shopping works in a Malagasy town. Bring small notes for purchases, and take your time: browsing is part of the experience.
Because the market is in Hell-Ville, the town itself is a natural companion to a visit. Allow time to walk the surrounding streets before or after you shop.