Lagoons of Abidjan
Discover the country's economic capital, its lively districts and the Ébrié lagoon through varied and easily accessible urban and waterside walks.
Ivory Coast
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and crossed by lagoons, Ivory Coast blends urban energy, tropical forests and craft traditions. Between lively Abidjan, the colonial heritage of Grand-Bassam and the wildlife of Comoé National Park, the country reveals many faces of West Africa.
Why visit Ivory Coast?
Ivory Coast stands out for the diversity of its landscapes, from coastal lagoons to dense forests and northern savannas. Abidjan, the country's main economic hub, contrasts with the historic town of Grand-Bassam, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The country is also home to around sixty ethnic groups with recognised craft traditions.
What to discover in Ivory Coast?
Abidjan, nicknamed the pearl of the lagoons, concentrates most of the country's economic and cultural life. Lively districts such as Le Plateau and Cocody sit alongside the calm waters of the Ébrié lagoon, while Treichville market offers a vivid glimpse of everyday Ivorian life, with street vendors, tailoring workshops and stalls selling local produce. Nearby, Grand-Bassam, a former colonial capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, charms visitors with its Afro-Brazilian architecture, its coconut-lined seafront promenade and artist workshops set up in former merchant houses.
Further inland, Comoé National Park, also UNESCO-listed, protects a vast mosaic of savannas and gallery forests home to elephants, buffalo, hippos and a particularly rich variety of birdlife. To the west, the Man region offers spectacular landscapes of waterfalls, granite peaks and vine bridges suspended above the valleys. Korhogo, in the north, is renowned for its textile craftsmanship, particularly woven and hand-painted traditional cloth that visitors can discover directly from local artisans.
Cities to visit in Côte-d'Ivoire
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Côte-d'Ivoire in pictures
Must-see highlights
A few emblematic experiences to discover the richness of Ivory Coast.
Historic Grand-Bassam
Wander the former colonial capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, between Afro-Brazilian architecture, artist workshops and coconut-lined seafront beaches stretching along the coast.
Yamoussoukro basilica
Admire the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, an iconic landmark of the political capital, built deep in Baoulé country.
Comoé National Park
Explore one of West Africa's largest protected areas, a UNESCO World Heritage site rich in savanna wildlife and gallery forests.
Man mountains
Roam the hilly landscapes of western Ivory Coast, with waterfalls, suspended vine bridges and villages perched in the mountains above green valleys.
Korhogo craftsmanship
Meet the weavers and cloth painters of Korhogo, capital of the Senufo people and a centre of traditional textile craftsmanship.
Practical information
- Capital
- Yamoussoukro
- Area
- 322,463 km²
- Population
- around 29 million people
- Language
- French (official), plus over 60 local languages
- Currency
- CFA franc (XOF)
- Time zone
- GMT (UTC+0)
- Climate
- Tropical, humid in the south, drier in the north
- Best season
- November to February, dry and cooler season
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Ivory Coast?
Yamoussoukro has been the country's political capital since 1983, while Abidjan remains the economic capital and the most active administrative centre, concentrating most institutions and commercial activity on a daily basis.
What is the best time to visit Ivory Coast?
The dry season, from November to February, brings milder temperatures and less rainfall, making it the most comfortable period to explore the country, from the southern beaches to the northern savannas.
Do I need a visa for Ivory Coast?
Most visitors need to obtain a visa before departure or on arrival, depending on their nationality. It is recommended to check the exact requirements with Ivorian consular authorities before travelling.
Which sites in Ivory Coast are UNESCO-listed?
The historic town of Grand-Bassam and Comoé National Park are among the Ivorian sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, for their respective cultural, architectural and natural value to the country.
What language is spoken in Ivory Coast?
French is the official language and serves as a common tongue between the country's many communities, who also speak around sixty local languages depending on the region and ethnic group.
How do you get around in Ivory Coast?
Abidjan has taxis, buses and lagoon shuttle boats, while travel between cities mainly relies on the road network. It is advisable to allow extra time for journeys in rural areas.
Plan your trip to Côte-d'Ivoire
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