Gerard & Francine

Modern Simplicity

Hotel Gerard & Francine is surrounded by an extraordinary garden on the beautiful beach of Ambatoloaka and its lagoon in Nosy Be.

Gerard and Francine strive to implement sustainable, eco-friendly tourism with a sensitive ecological approach to the local, Nosy Be culture in diversity, abundance, and natural beauty.

The guest rooms of the hotel offer a stunning sea view, around the lovely veranda of the Great House and the magnificent tropical garden in front of the Bungalow. The decor uses typical Malagasy architecture, traditional construction with wood floors and creole ceilings. It is a wide mix of exotic woodworking with endemic, replanted, materials. The cloth-work and other pure textile products are made by local, Malagasy artisans of Nosy Be. The furniture is entirely constructed at the hotel. All the rooms are equipped with fans, mosquito nets, individual safes, minibar, solar-heated water, shower sink, and toilet. There are seven rooms in the Bungalow and the Great House with verandas.
There is one room in the Great House with private shower and communal toilet and one air-conditioned room in the Great House without a view of the ocean.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast by the beach of coffee, local tea, or natural fruit juice and a house pastry, fresh fruit, and an omelette or eggs served to your liking.

After a day of discovery in Nosy Be or the neighbouring islands, you can profit from a relaxing massage on a day bed on the beach or solarium, the seaside, or in a natural pool. In the late afternoon and evening, you can visit the bar lounge, only available to clients, for a taste of the typical Malagasy cocktails like Caipirana, a specialty of Nosy Be. Amongst the tropical flower gardens and the palms you can enjoy the company of freedom, lemurs, hummingbirds, chameleons.

Gérard et Francine

Gérard et Francine is a legendary boutique guesthouse located on the southern tip of Ambatoloaka beach on the vibrant island of Nosy Be. Set within a lush tropical garden that spills directly onto the sand, this charming property offers a peaceful and intimate alternative to the larger resorts. It is a place defined by its warm hospitality, colonial-style architecture, and its front-row seat to the spectacular sunsets over the Mozambique Channel.

The Rooms at Gérard et Francine

The accommodation consists of beautifully maintained rooms housed in traditional buildings with wide, wrap-around verandas. Each room is uniquely decorated with Malagasy handicrafts, fine woodwork, and colorful textiles, creating an atmosphere of “island chic” comfort. Large windows and high ceilings allow for excellent natural ventilation, while the private terraces offer the perfect spot to relax with a book or enjoy the view of the outrigger canoes bobbing in the bay.

Dining and Facilities

While the guesthouse focuses on providing a peaceful bed-and-breakfast experience, the central terrace serves as a gathering point for guests to enjoy a fresh, continental breakfast featuring local tropical fruits, homemade jams, and Malagasy coffee. For lunch and dinner, the hotel’s prime location at the end of the beach means you are just a short, scenic stroll away from the best local restaurants and seafood spots in Ambatoloaka, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local island flavors.

Sustainable Travel

In alignment with the Earth Trip philosophy, Gérard et Francine operates with a deep respect for the local community and environment. The guesthouse has long been a supporter of local artisans and employs a dedicated team from the surrounding villages. By maintaining a small footprint and encouraging guests to support local businesses and conservation projects like the Lokobe Reserve, they ensure that tourism remains a positive force for Nosy Be.

A Note from Aleem – Earth Trip Madagascar Specialist

“Gérard et Francine is a true institution in Nosy Be. What I love most is the ‘home-away-from-home’ feel they’ve managed to maintain for so many years. It’s located at the quiet end of the beach, so you get the best of both worlds: peace and privacy within the gardens, but with the lively energy of Ambatoloaka just a walk away. It’s my top recommendation for travelers who want authenticity and charm rather than a big-box hotel experience.”

Frequently Asked Questions: Nosy Be & Ambatoloaka

Is the beach at Gérard et Francine good for swimming? Absolutely. The hotel sits on a beautiful stretch of Ambatoloaka beach where the water is calm and clear. It’s perfect for a morning swim or a leisurely walk along the shore. At sunset, the beach transforms into a stunning vantage point for one of the best views on the island.

What excursions can I do from the hotel? Gérard et Francine is a perfect hub for exploring. We can arrange day trips to the Lokobe Primary Forest to see lemurs and chameleons, or boat excursions to the smaller islands like Nosy Tanikely for world-class snorkeling and Nosy Komba to visit the local handicraft markets.

How do I get to the guesthouse? Most guests arrive via a flight into Nosy Be Fascene Airport. We arrange a private transfer that takes approximately 30–40 minutes, bringing you through the lush ylang-ylang plantations and local villages before arriving at the coastal sanctuary of Ambatoloaka.