church UNESCO

Saint-Louis

Colonial jewel and UNESCO World Heritage

schedule November – April
tour 10 major sites
location_on Northern Senegal

Discover Saint-Louis

Founded in 1659, Saint-Louis of Senegal is an architectural jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Former capital of French West Africa, the city charms with its colourful colonial houses, wrought-iron balconies and cobbled streets. Located on an island at the confluence of the Senegal River and the Atlantic Ocean, Saint-Louis is a living open-air museum, a place where time seems to have stopped.

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Colonial Architecture
Creole houses, wooden balconies, cobbled streets: a journey through time
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Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Explore the city at the gentle pace of horses, a Saint-Louis tradition
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Djoudj Park
3rd largest ornithological reserve in the world, sanctuary for millions of birds
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Jazz Festival
Each year in May, the city vibrates to the sound of international jazz

Photo Gallery

Saint-Louis vue d'ensemble

Must-See Sites

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Saint-Louis Island

Historic UNESCO-listed heart of the city, the island concentrates the most beautiful colonial mansions. Stroll along Blanchot and Abd-el-Kader streets, discover Place Faidherbe with its iconic metal bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.

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Faidherbe Bridge

Engineering masterpiece signed by Gustave Eiffel in 1897. This 507-metre metal bridge connects the island to the mainland. Magnificent at sunset when it glows golden.

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Saint-Louis Cathedral

Imposing cathedral with a characteristic bell tower dominating the island. Built in the 19th century, it bears witness to the Catholic colonial influence.

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Djoudj National Park

Located 60 km from Saint-Louis, this 16,000-hectare sanctuary is the world's 3rd largest ornithological reserve. Between November and April, millions of migratory birds stop over here.

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Langue de Barbarie

Thin strip of sand between the ocean and the river, classified as a national park. Observe sea turtles, wading birds and pelicans in their natural habitat.

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Fishermen's Quarter

Guet-Ndar, traditional fishing village at the tip of the Langue de Barbarie. Authentic atmosphere with colourful pirogues, fish drying in the sun.

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Jean Mermoz Museum

Tribute to the famous aviator who made Saint-Louis a mythical stopover of the Aéropostale. Documents, photos and period objects tell the story of the postal aviation epic.

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Colonial Houses

Admire the unique Creole architecture: carved wooden balconies, bow-windows, columns, ochre and pastel colours. Some house-museums are open for visits.

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Riverside Quays

Stroll along the lively quays lining the Senegal River. Restaurant and bar terraces offer a breathtaking view of the illuminated Faidherbe Bridge.

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Jazz Festival

Each year in late April/early May, the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival attracts international stars and enthusiasts. Free open-air concerts, festive atmosphere.