Things to see and do Saint-Louis

Originally from a village near Saint-Louis, Djiby Mbaye is one of the official guides of the association Les Guides Amis du Patrimoine, of which he is also the treasurer. With more than 15 years of experience, he knows very well the Saint-Louis region, its culture, nature and history, which he will be able to help you discover through several excursions. He also organizes tours throughout Senegal and also transfers to different cities. He is a serious and punctual guide, with whom he is very pleasant to talk with.

Since September 2005, this mythical boat has been sailing again between Saint-Louis and Podor, on the Senegal River. Leaving the city standing on its deck is a very emotional experience. It is possible to do only part of the journey, for example to go to the Djoudj nature park. If it is in transit in Saint-Louis, you can also visit it (free access, generally on the Roume quay, 200 m from the Bou el-Mogdad restaurant) and enjoy a nice concert on Saturday evening on the bridge. Warm and friendly staff.

You won't want to miss it: the popular Santhiaba district, across the bridge, is the historic fishermen's quarter of Saint-Louis, which you can visit either by horse-drawn carriage or on foot, with a local guide. In this overcrowded district that nobody wants to leave, you will come across a bunch of kids, fishermen repairing their nets, goats, street vendors, the real popular Saint-Louisian life. Notice to the sensitive souls: the smells of the fish market are really stronger than in Yoff or Mbour!

Almost at the northern end of the island of Ndar, on the Roume quay, stands a 20-ton steam crane, arrived in parts from France. It was assembled in 1883 by two soldiers, whose names are engraved on the crane, and installed when work on the Malian railway between Kayes (pronounced "Kaï", on the Senegal River) and Bamako (on the Niger River) was starting. All the equipment (up to the locomotives) had to be transported by river and loaded onto the boats. Hence the need for this crane, which seems so disproportionate.

The two rooms of this small museum, created in partnership with the city of Toulouse, are located in the Gouvernance building and bring to life the adventure of l'Aéropostale and its heroes, led by Mermoz and Saint-Exupéry. But don't expect any extraordinary visuals. Here, the richness is iconographic and above all textual, with excerpts from letters by the author of The Little Prince. The whole thing is really fascinating, well-written and, if you take the time to read them, the visit takes on the allure of an epic.

Impossible to miss, it's located on the island of Ndar, just after the Faidherbe bridge. A large "i" marks the spot. It's one of the only tourist offices worthy of the name, along with the one in Ziguinchor, and it's also the oldest in the country. Here, the individual tourist is less lost than elsewhere. A visit is recommended, and you'll get some good tips. Some brochures are free, others charge. Don't hesitate for a second to go there, where you'll find all the information you need: practical info, history, accommodation, etc.

Located on the Quai de Roume, on the banks of the Senegal River, the gallery of the French Institute hosts quality temporary exhibitions presenting artists of all nationalities. Some of them are the result of artist residencies organized by the Institute. Each new exhibition at the beginning of the month is accompanied by a vernissage, usually in the presence of the artist. There are also various activities, creative workshops and meetings with the artists. Find out more on the spot so that you don't miss any of the events.

The Faidherbe Bridge is a marvel in itself! Built in 1897 to Eiffel's plans (you can also see the elegance of the metal tower by the same architect), the bridge has a mobile span (the second) that pivots on its axis so that boats can pass from the ocean to the river. It was exceptionally put back into action on 15 October 2005 to allow the Bou el-Mogdad to navigate again on the Senegal River. This mythical ship now offers a cruise on the river from Saint-Louis to Podor. During an official visit in February 2005, the French President at the time, Jacques Chirac, promised to release funds to rehabilitate this monumental 506 m long structure, attacked by time and wind and weakening under the weight of the years, humans and vehicles that use it every day. A promise made, a promise done. Rehabilitation work was launched in January 2007, mainly with French funding, and was completed in July 2011 (inauguration with great pomp and ceremony on 19 November 2011). You can now once again admire this masterpiece and cross it on foot, by car or motorbike. It is very rare to see it open to the passage of boats, but perhaps you will be so lucky. However, this metal structure continues to deteriorate over time, and maintenance work is carried out once a year. But what a feeling when you cross it to reach the island of Saint-Louis and its intoxicating atmosphere!

Coming from a family of griots, Ablaye Cissoko is one of the most famous kora players in the world. With his tales and stories set to the melodious notes of this traditional African stringed instrument, he has conquered a large audience since his debut at the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival. To perpetuate this cultural and artistic transmission, he created this school dedicated to the kora, the first in Senegal. Young and old, beginners and experienced players come here to learn and perfect their skills with this great kora master and experienced teachers.

Long damaged by time and erosion, the oldest church in West Africa has been restored to its former glory after more than a year of renovation. For a long time without a place of worship, the Christians of Saint-Louis gathered in the 18th century in various places in the city to pray to God. After the departure of the English in 1817, who had forbidden all religious ceremonies, the arrival of Anne-Marie Javouhey, founder of the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny in 1822, changed the situation. Indeed, the nun demanded the construction of a real church for the faithful and was supported by the colonial authorities. Thus, the foundation stone was laid on February 11, 1827 by Baron Roger and the church was consecrated on November 4, 1828. At the beginning, the church was built in the classical style, but over time it underwent important architectural transformations, such as the addition of a neoclassical door on the outside. The church did not become a cathedral until 1966 with the arrival of the first bishop on the island, Prosper Dobbs, who now rests in the building. Financed by the French Development Agency, the work was carried out by the company Eiffage, which had to follow very precise specifications in order to take into account all the specificities related to the renovation of the cathedral. The stained glass windows have been restored to their former colors and illustrate the theological virtues through scenes of life. As for the organ, which arrived from France in 1890, it is the only one that can be repaired in Senegal.