excursions in sainte marie

One place not to be missed when coming to Madagascar . Situated north eastward Madagascar ,Sainte Marie Island , ancient pirates nest , 63 km long and 5 km large , is surrounded of small islets with evocative names : islands of mats , madam islet , pirates islands . When going for a walk or a bike ride , the visitor become impregnated with the characteristic tranquility of this real tropical paradise . The pirogue is one the best means of transportation for the discovery of the magnificent desert beaches or occupied by fishermen villages with secular and traditional way of life

Île aux Nattes (Nosy Nato)

Called also Nosy Nato ,the island situated northward Sainte Marie , owes its name to a today disappeared woods , the "nato", that was formerly used for ships buildings. Women of the island plait also beautiful mats with Pandanus leaves . Endowed with magnificent beaches , the island is inhabited by about twenty families living essentially on fishing and tourism. Because of its small size a half - day walk allows to visit the island easily . Its turquoise waters allow an agreeable swim

Îlot Madame (Baie aux Forbans)

Formerly " Iles aux cailles "or " Ile aux Cayes " , the French Sylvain Roux changed its name in 1820 and called it " Ilot Madame " in honour of the France king daughter . Ancient port formerly called "Port Louquez" , it sheltered a small creek that received many ships all along the centuries . Vestiges of more or less abandoned pier can srill be seen ..

When taking the west coast track you can reach Vohilava village . It is characterized by its small church . A stop is interesting especially during the Lord day to discover a still preserved feast atmosphere .

Capital of the island , Ambodifotatra means "at the foot of the fotatra" , the fotatra being a secular tree formerly spread in the island (Baringtonia raciamosa). Ambodifotatra is characterized by its typical colonial architectures .

Occupied today by the Malagasy army , the old fort is built atop the hill of Ambodifotatra . Its fortifications and the portal topped by sculpted pediment can still be seen . At the time where Saint Marie island received the convicts , the fort served as prison . The first building has been built by Oriental India Company in 1753 , the other constructions have been built mostly in 1870.

The tomb of Sylvain Roux is situated near the fort entry . One discovers there inscriptions to its memory.

Albrand was a young French pioneer who occupied for some time in 1823 the function of commander of the island . One discovers on its tomb French and Arabic inscriptions . Built in 1857, it is the oldest church of Madagascar. Its altar (gift of Empress Eugnie ) is in forged cast iron . Unfortunately closed to the public outside of religious services.

Tiny circular form Island , the pirates islet has seen many buccaneers and corsairs passing there, real pirates who carried out their activities in the Indian Ocean at the beginning of the XVIII century . To quote only a few of the most famous : Surcouf, The Buzzard, Thomas White, David Williams, John Every, Thomas Tew. The pirates meetings and the spoils division took place in this islet . One distinguishes on height a semicircle form ruin , like a door framing giving access to the void . Would be it a line mark to a possible treasures hiding places ? The mystery remains unsolved .

The pirates cemetery

Called also "Saint Pierre cemetry " it is situated southward the bay , on a peninsula where there are many ruine tombs some of which dates back the beginning the XVIII century.

A monument topped by forgeg cast iron cross dating back 1854 where have been buried French and English skulls killed by the Merina army during Tamatave battles in 1845 . The inscription "Hic Capita Jacent" is engraved there. The residence of the governor fall in ruin due to a fire is today in restoration. A small natural aquarium which water is renewed with the tide is situated ahead the residence at the quay border.

Situated at 7 Km from Ambodifototra , on the road of La Crique Hotel , Anjahana is the most ancient clove distillery of the island still working . The still is by the way fed "with woods".

The Marine headland

By taking the road of the north-west , you can see the "navy foreland" , a rocky promontory with a very beautiful panoramic view on the totality of Ambodifototra bay .

Ambatoroa (with two rocks)

Main Village of the north , situated at 3 Km southward the The Cocoteraie Hotel .

Situated near Ambatororoa village . Each sculpted statuette represents a sailor lost at sea. Traditional ceremonies to the memory of ancestors take place every year. Statuettes called "Tsangambatana" are then dressed of a new "lamba" (shroud).

Albrand lighthouse

5 Km from Ambatoroa. The lighthouse construction dates back 1931. It is a metallic tower of 14,50 m high dominating at 78 m the seal level . The lighthouse worked formerly thanks to a oil lamp . There is the possibility to access to the bridge by an internal staircase and to visit the lighthouse , with the authorization of the guardian. A magnificent view spreads over all the horizons. From north to the island foreland , to the south on the totality of Sainte Marie and westward the coastal fringe distant of about twenty miles .

The natural swimming pool

It is not only one but many " natural pools". These basins of sea water .Situated at the extreme north of the island .A fine sand beach is partly closed by a jagged basaltic rock barrier called " Natural pools " by the local population . This site is worth to be visited despite the very bad conditions of the road that leads there.

The places of interests