Cote d'Ivoire Cities Grand-Bassam , Abidjan
Travel tips for your trip to Côte d'Ivoire Hotel Maps helps you to make your trip to Côte d'Ivoire the holiday a Splendid One
Abidjan
Abidjan is the largest city and the chief port of the country of Côte d'Ivoire / Ivory Coast located in the continent of Africa. Presently, Yamoussoukro is the official capital of Côte d'Ivoire, but Abidjan holds its position as the most important commercial and banking centre in the country. Known as the “Paris of Africa”, it is one of the largest populated cities in Western Africa with a major French speaking population.
The city is situated on the Ébrié Lagoon, consisting of several peninsulas that are linked by bridges. The Ébrié Lagoon is separated from the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean by the Vridi Canal sandbar.
Today Abidjan’s seaport is known for exporting agricultural products such as coffee, cocoa, timber, bananas, pineapples, and manganese. The total area of Abidjan extends from the main administrative area to the industrial area in Petit-Bassam and the petroleum and mineral docks in the Vridi Canal.
The city has been beautified by a number of wide streets and green garden squares. There are a number of museums, research institutes and libraries that add up to the value of the city with its arts and crafts displays. Attractions such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hôtel Ivoire and Banco National Park help in drawing a lot of attention towards the city.
Grand-Bassam
Grand-Bassam is a city in Côte d'Ivoire, lying east of Abidjan. It was the French colonial capital city from 1893 until 1896, when the administration was transferred to Bingerville after a bout of yellow fever. The city remained a key seaport until the growth of Abidjan from the 1930s.
Grand-Bassam is the chief city of Grand-Bassam Department. The city has the aura of a ghost town, since large sections have been abandoned for decades. In 1896 the French capital was moved to Bingerville, and commercial shipping gradually declined until it virtually ceased in the 1930s. In 1960, with independence, all remaining administrative offices were transferred to Abidjan, and for many years Grand Bassam was inhabited only by squatters. Beginning in the late 70s the city began to revive as a tourist destination and craft center. It now has a year-round population of approximately 5000.
The city is divided by the Ébrié Lagoon into two halves: Ancien Bassam is the former French settlement, facing the Gulf of Guinea. It is home to the grander colonial buildings, some of which have been restored. The district is also home to a cathedral and the Côte d'Ivoire National Museum of Costume. Nouveau Bassam, linked to Ancien Bassam by a bridge, lies on the inland, northern side of the lagoon. It grew from the African servant's quarter and is now the main commercial centre of the town.
The city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand-Bassam. The Diocese's cathedral is the Cathédrale Sacré Cœur in Grand-Bassam.