Off the coast of southern Africa, surrounded by a wide range of archipelagos, the island of Madagascar is a remote destination. Nearly 8,000 kilometres from the North Sea, the island has a tropical climate far from the cold temperatures of the north.

A piece of the colonial empire in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The place is a remote travel destination at the end of the world.

Madagascar, or a destination of choice, is a French-speaking country, where colonial-era French is spoken.

There are many tourist sites, reserves and historic places on the island. And there are also many unclassified places to see on the island.

Madagascar, the big island, or the red island, maintains a strong link with France (it has been present there since the 1400s) through the Francophonie and other organisations.

In this article, we tell you all about this faraway destination, its links with France, and provide you with our little-known and unlisted finds that we want to share with you. Hold on tight.

History of the island.

Colonised between 1897 and 1946, the Malagasy lands were discovered between 700 and 1300 by traders. At that time, the island was inhabited, with tribes and clans living there. Colonisation of the Madagascan island began in 1897 under the government of Joseph Gallieni. The island was intended to be a settlement and resource-gathering colony. It had a royal regime, with the reigning king continuing before and during colonisation. The monarchy declined after the island became independent.

At this time, the island was populated by indigenous people, natives and colonists.

During colonisation, roads, railways and waterways were installed to transport the island’s goods: nickel, cobalt, pepper and cloves, etc. During colonisation, the territory was organised as a protectorate. The indigenous regime was also introduced during colonisation. The lands of Diego-Suarez, the island of Sainte Marie, and Nosy be belong to the territory of the jewel imerina. They were attached to French property.

During the 64 years of colonisation, the French language was taught in all schools. It became the island’s official language.

The Francophonie, the French-speaking world.

Following decolonisation in 1961, Madagascar has retained many vestiges of its colonial past. The official languages are Malagasy and French. Many administrative establishments date back to colonial times, as do the roads.

Madagascar is home to the third largest French lycée in Africa, the Lycée Français de Tananarive in Ambatobe. A large French community lives there, and a significant proportion of the population holds both nationalities.

Tananarive is also home to the Alliance Française in Andavamamba. This institution promotes the French language and the Francophonie. Madagascar has several approved schools where the French language is taught and follows the curriculum of establishments on French soil.

Every year, the island hosts a number of events celebrating the French-speaking world and living together. These festivals enable French residents and the capital’s inhabitants to celebrate the French language and France.

The fête de la musique on 21 June.

The Mardi Gras carnival.

And the colour run in October.

These are just some of the events that punctuate the lives of the capital’s inhabitants. They are moments of collective joy, where song and dance are commonplace and in demand.

Our little finds:

Diego Suarez Carnival

While we’ve talked about song and dance in the preceding lines, our first little find, our first uncharted destination, is the Diego-Suarez Carnival. The event exudes an aura all its own. It’s a place of samba, colours, fancy dress and song.

The dates of the carnival are not fixed and it takes place every other year, but when it does take place, the streets of Diego-Suarez are alive with excitement, festivities and tranquillity.

We like carnival and the streets of Diego Suarez tiptop, which is why we’ve included it in this article. Just like in that famous American film, take part in a travelling carnival. It’s all part of folklore, which is why we’ve put it in this article, obviously don’t get mugged or anything, tell your friends about it instead, hahaha and show them our article.

The stairs of Antananarivo.

The stairs of Antananarivo, the name of this find is perfectly apt. These are the steps below the city’s lettering. The steps are located in the haute ville district. It’s a popular spot for lovers of the city to brush up against each other and caress. The place is closed between 9pm and 5.30am, even though it is a busy thoroughfare. The stairs are in an alleyway.

Andasibe parks.

Our latest find is the Andasibe forest paths. Andasibe is home to the Andasibe National Park, where the indri indri live, and a plant reserve. It is a protected area. In addition, there are some very interesting side-tours in the surrounding area for those who enjoy walking. You’ll find birdwatching trails, primary forest trails and trails to waterfalls. Go there and find happiness, serenity, calm, balance and tranquillity in the primary woods.