Alliance Française

Diego Suarez (Antsiranana)


The Alliance Française is housed in a magnificently restored art-deco-style building, formerly the Grande Bazaar, which is worth a look on its own. There are regular art exhibitions here, along with film screenings, concerts and shows.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Diego Suarez (Antsiranana) attractions

1. Jardin Tropical

0.15 MILES

Set in a cyclone-ravaged Creole house in the French residential quarter, the Jardin Tropical provides a welcome, leafy green space in the centre of town…

2. Tribunal

0.18 MILES

A fine example of colonial architecture, the Tribunal is an imposing building that still operates as the courthouse. It was built in 1907.

3. Cathédrale Saint Matthieu

0.21 MILES

Diego Suarez's Roman Catholic cathedral was built in 1909 to replace the previous wooden church destroyed by the terrible cyclone of 1894. The bell tower…

4. La Résidence

0.22 MILES

The former Governer's residence, now administrative offices, was first built in 1897. Overlooking the sea, it was often battered by cyclones and parts…

5. Hôtel des Mines

0.23 MILES

Once a magnificent hotel overlooking the sea, the Hôtel des Mines is now in ruins. Built in the early 1900s by Frenchman Alphonse Mortages who made his…

6. Maison Cassam Chenaï

0.24 MILES

In 1898 the Cassam Chenaï family of Gujerat arrived in Diego Suarez. Mamodaly opened his ever popular shop 10 years later. Members of the family are still…

7. Lighthouse

0.37 MILES

The lighthouse at the end of Rue Richelieu guards the bay of Diego Suarez.

8. Japanese Monument

0.47 MILES

'Here died two brave Japanese sailors on 3 June 1942' reads the inscription on the memorial erected by the Japanese Embassy 30 years later. The sailors,…