• Musée National des Costumes - The National Museum of Costume is a stunning colonial-style building that showcases a vast collection of ancient cultural artifacts and collections from across the country. Noteworthy for its collection of vintage photographs, the most intriguing of which features a pith-helmeted French colonial interacting with a naked N’Zima woman. The scale model villages on the lower level explore the habits and customs of Ivory Coast’s indigenous people. The basketry, textiles, masks, ceremonial outfits, and indigo goods are also worth exploring. The variety of mannequins illustrates the diverse religious and ethnic traditions of the country: a Baoulé monarch in a loincloth adorned with gold jewelry, an Abouré féticheuse educating children about sex with a wooden penis and broom to ward off evil spirits, and a Kru chieftain dressed in tree bark and leather.
• Treich-Laplene Expeditionsdenkmal - The most fascinating attraction in Bassam is the 1.1-km2 open-air museum of colonial buildings constructed between the 1870s and the 1930s. Most are scattered around the easily walkable Boulevard Treich-Laplène.
• La 1ère boutique CFAO installée à BASSAM - An old trading post of the French West Africa Company, built in the early 20th century. This historic building reflects Grand-Bassam’s role as a colonial commercial center and is an important part of the city’s heritage.
• Grand Bassam - The Governor’s Palace, opposite the Courthouse on Boulevard Treich-Laplène, is well-preserved – its stucco walls were recently re-lacquered, and its long veranda was redecorated with sea shells. The dual staircases elegantly weave towards each other along the façade, meeting and curling inward to form a semi-circle at the main entrance.
• Maison du Patrimoine Culturel de Grand-Bassam - Continuing east along Boulevard Treich-Laplène, on the corner of Rue Sacre-Coeur, is the Post Office and Customs House, built in 1893 from prefab materials shipped from France. Featuring a central tower and a green-shuttered first floor, it has been smartly renovated under the UNESCO project and now houses the Maison du Patrimoine Culturel, a cultural center that organizes history-themed events and has a permanent exhibition of photographs depicting 150 years of significant Bassamois people, places, and events.
• Grand-Bassam - Recently inaugurated in May 2025, La Maison des Arts is a contemporary art museum housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era building that once served as the Hôtel des Postes et Douanes. The museum features rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, photography, and design by African artists, aiming to become a hub for artistic exchange and inspiration. Please note that the museum is sometimes closed for private events, so visits depend on whether it is open.
• Palais Royal Des N’zima De Grand Bassam - Palais Royal des N’zima – When open, enjoy a 20-minute visit to the royal palace of the N’zima people, the traditional rulers of Grand-Bassam. The palace showcases unique N’zima architecture, decorated with symbolic motifs, and offers a glimpse into the matrilineal traditions and royal customs of the community. This stop provides a fascinating insight into the history, culture, and leadership of the N’zima people, making it a memorable cultural highlight of your tour.
• Grand Bassam - Centre de la Céramique de Grand-Bassam

Established in 1982, this center focuses on ceramic arts, providing workshops and showcasing local pottery techniques. It’s a place to learn and appreciate the art of ceramics.

• La Lagune - Choose between a canoe ride or a batik workshop:

• Canoe ride on the lagoon – Glide across the calm waters past mangroves and palm trees. Take a 30-minute journey to a village where the N’zima people smoke fish, then return to the starting point (an especially magical experience at sunset).

• Batik workshop – Learn the traditional art of batik fabric dyeing and create your own colorful cloth (pagne) to take home as a special keepsake.

• Private transportation
• Entrance to Museum
• Guide

This excursion perfectly blends historical landmarks, cultural experiences, and scenic landscapes. Start with a 1-hour stroll through Qartier France led by your guide, visiting all iconic structures in this UNESCO-recognized site. Following the walk, unwind on a canoe ride across the serene Bassam lagoon, equipped with a drink and snacks, taking in the picturesque mangroves and palm trees.

Upon the journey, you’ll arrive in the quaint village of Monduke, identified by numerous coconut trees and residences constructed from indigenous resources like palm fronds and African bamboo. Witness the native fishermen haul their boatloads of fresh catch, as their partners trade the produce with tourists right on the sandy beach. It’s an experience you won’t forget.

Conclude your outing by rowing back to the origination point, with a stopover at N’Zima village known for its smoked fish. Savor this local delicacy accompanied by a beer, in a Maquis, for a fitting end to the tour.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.