Madagascar – Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar

Located at an altitude of 1,300 meters, the city of Antananarivo is divided into three zones: the lower city, the intermediate city, and the upper city. With its development and expansion, the authorities are keen to preserve the city's cultural heritage. At the top of the main hill, there is a magnificent view of Antananarivo with Lake Anosy and Mahamasina in the foreground. It is worth visiting a "Rova," a palace from the royal era, or one of the animal parks to discover the fauna and flora visible in the four corners of the island: lemurs, multicolored endemic birds, or other frogs unique to Madagascar. The Rova of Manjakamiadana is the symbol of the Merina monarchy, the country's last royalty. Built in the 19th century, first of wood and then of granite, the palace lost its political function with the arrival of French colonists in 1896 and the abolition of the Monarchy. On November 6, 1995, a fire ravaged the site, weakening the building down to its wooden foundations. Its restoration was launched in 2019 by President Andry Rajoelina. A 400-seat concrete Roman amphitheater, built within the palace grounds, will host performances telling the story of the Big Island.

Analakely and Independence Avenue are undoubtedly the neighborhoods that have been most developed by the municipality. It is a large avenue connecting the Ambohijatovo roundabout to the old Soarano train station. Along the way, you'll find the Analakely pavilions, one of the city's largest markets where all kinds of goods are sold. North of the city is the business district called Ankorondrano. The 12 sacred hills of Imerina are also worth exploring. A curiosity: the Ivato crocodile farm, located only about fifteen kilometers away.