Antsirabe
Antsirabe, the “City of Water” in the central highlands, is famous for its cool climate, colonial architecture, therapeutic thermal springs, and high concentration of brightly decorated pousse-pousse rickshaws.
Relax in the Hot Springs
Travelling to Antsirabe takes you along one of the most beautiful scenic routes in the central highlands.
Antsirabe is the third largest city in Madagascar situated in the high altitude (about 1, 500 metres). The cool temperatures in the high altitude are the reason why the Norwegian Missionaries chose this city in 1872. Antsirabe is the home of one of the award winning best beers in Madagascar THB (Three Horses Beer). Its name means “where there is salt” honouring the large number of hot springs the town has, a fact that has given the city the nickname of “Malagasy Vichy”. The thermal baths had been long appreciated for their curative effects by the local population when French colonists decided to locate a thermal bath here in the 19th century.
Take a pousse-pousse rickshaw tour of Antsirabe to discover this interesting city mixed with architectural styles of the colonial and evangelical past. In the European district, French cottage-style houses are built next to Scandinavian villas with English style gardens. The tree-lined avenues always give some freshness whenever the sun is too bright.
Antsirabe: Summary
Antsirabe is a vibrant city in the central highlands of Madagascar, renowned for its cool climate, unique local transport, colonial architecture, and therapeutic thermal springs. It is one of the country’s most significant urban and industrial centers.
Nicknames and Identity
- “City of Water” (Ville d’Eau): Its Malagasy name, Antsirabe, translates to “where there is much salt,” referring to the numerous mineral and thermal springs found in the area, a result of the surrounding Ankaratra volcanic mountains.
- “Malagasy Vichy”: The French colonialists founded the modern city in 1872 as a hill station and spa resort, naming it after the famous French spa town of Vichy due to its thermal waters.
- “Pousse-Pousse Capital”: The city is famous for its exceptionally high concentration of pousse-pousses (man-pulled rickshaws), which are brightly decorated, numbered, and serve as the main mode of transportation in the city center.
Main Attractions and Activities
- Pousse-Pousse Tour: A ride in one of the colorful rickshaws is a quintessential Antsirabe experience, offering a lively and authentic way to tour the broad, tree-lined avenues and colonial-era buildings.
- Thermal Baths and Colonial Grandeur: The city’s colonial heritage is visible in its architecture, including the grand Hôtel des Thermes (built in 1922) and the old Train Station (1923). The original thermal bath center (opened in 1917) still offers therapeutic hot spring treatments.
- Volcanic Lakes: The surrounding volcanic landscape features picturesque crater lakes:
- Lake Tritriva: A deep, emerald-green crater lake known for its sheer cliffs and local legends, about 17 km from the city.
- Lake Andraikiba: Another volcanic lake popular for walks and relaxation.
- Local Crafts and Industry: Antsirabe is a hub for Malagasy handicrafts and manufacturing. Visitors can find workshops specializing in:
- Miniatures: Intricately crafted model cars, bicycles, and other small items made from recycled materials.
- Semi-Precious Stones: Workshops where local gems and minerals are cut and polished.
- Horn and Raffia: Artisans creating objects from zebu horn and woven raffia.
- Markets: The Asabotsy Market is a bustling public market where locals shop for produce, textiles, and household goods, offering a vibrant glimpse into daily life.
Antsirabe is a mandatory stop on the famous Route Nationale 7 (RN7), making it a perfect first overnight stay for travelers heading south from the capital, Antananarivo.
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Antsirabe