Things to see and do Nouakchott

Are you doing research on Mauritania, the Sahel or do you like books and the smell of paper? Don't hesitate for a second: call Ahmed Mahmoud Mohamed, known as Jemal, an exceptional man. From his grandfather's manuscripts to encyclopedias, bibliographies, legal texts, sociology, anthropology, history, geography, this man composed himself this library collection that he opens to any interested person: students, researchers, tourists, residents... A place as magical as its designer.

10 minutes from the center, discover the artisanal fishing port and the fishermen's beach, with its multicolored wooden boats in the colors of Senegal. You have to go there according to the tides, when the boats come back loaded with fish and they are spread out in front of the barge. The others jostle each other, apostrophize each other, while the fishes are still wriggling. It is a real dive into the life of Nouakchott, a bath of crowd and fish! A word of warning, however: pickpockets can sometimes slip into the crowd.

Organized in two spaces, the museum presents on the first floor a part dedicated to archaeology and ethnology, which traces the evolution of man in the regions of present-day Mauritania. In the space upstairs, objects of nomadic daily life are exhibited: traditional habitat, palanquins, games, musical instruments, dishes, medicinal plants ... The building also houses the Mauritanian Institute of Scientific Research, the Conservation Center of Mauritanian manuscripts and the National Library.

Created by Malika Diagana, director and photographer, and Saleh, visual artist, D'Art espace des créations is a place of exchange, creativity and welcome, which works for the emergence of arts in Mauritania. The two cultural entrepreneurs offer to see painting and photography through exhibitions, and propose cultural events in partnership with local structures. For a different look at Mauritanian culture and identity.

You will understand why the cell phone market is nicknamed "hot spot" when you find yourself in the middle of the crowd! This is where you will find SIM cards for the 3 Mauritanian operators: Mattel, Mauritel and Chinguitel. The galleries host all the trades related to the purchase and repair of phones and electronic equipment. In the courtyard, music sellers are at war with each other with decibels, tea sellers wander from one store to another ... One of the places where the change of scenery takes all its meaning.

In the south of the city, the Moroccan mosque is a reference building in Nouakchott because its architecture reminds the great Koutoubia of Marrakech. It is characterized by its square minaret. Since you have come this far, take the opportunity to visit the Mauritanian tent market (khaimas), which is easy to spot. Also nearby, the SOCIM market is rather exotic with its stalls of fruits and vegetables, its sellers of coal, empty cans of motor oil and frying that are recovered to transport water ..

To learn more about Mauritania from prehistoric times to the present day, a visit to the Vergnol Foundation is a must. Books, photos, postcards, stamps, jewelry, traditional handicrafts have been patiently and passionately collected to be exhibited in the foundation's museum. A superb collection, like a case protecting the national wealth which is both the guarantor of a collective memory and a vector for future generations. The foundation is located near the French embassy. Do not hesitate to make an appointment!

Les Echos du Sahel as well as the two other structures it hosts are not a magazine but an association aiming at the promotion and democratization of art for all. It is a place of cultural exchange and artistic creation which offers to children, young and old workshops, courses, supports and tools in the following fields: sound techniques, musical label, recording studio, support to innovative projects, art and dance school, concerts, events... A real place of creation in Nouakchott.

Created by Amy Sow, a Mauritanian multidisciplinary artist, this art gallery and artists' residence invites you to come and drink a good espresso, a Mauritanian tea or a bissap while visiting its ephemeral exhibitions. This place of exchanges and meetings, with wood (explosive in the neighborhood), innovative ideas and recovery everywhere, also welcomes you during special events and workshops: plastic arts with children, evening discovery of the Mauritanian culture or a local dish... Contact Amy and find out!

At the end of 2018, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania officially recognized the Catholic Church, allowing for an exchange of ambassadors with the Holy See. The parish of St. Joseph's Cathedral, erected in 1965 by Pope Paul VI, is a small haven of peace where one can stay if necessary. On Sundays, several masses are held: at 7:30 am, 9 am and 11 am. They are mainly attended by sub-Saharan Africans residing in Mauritania, who represent about 2,000 faithful, and about 40 different nationalities.

Sultanas, Bahamas, Oceanides... No, you are not in Istanbul, nor in the West Indies, nor in Greece, but on the Mauritanian coast, less than 20 kilometers north-northwest of downtown Nouakchott. Although the capital enjoys a charming shoreline, a strip of sand sand wedged between the concrete and the bitter wave, its most popular beaches are located away from the city. To the south, the edges, wild as can be, stretch (almost) uninterrupted to the Senegal River delta. In the north, the nearest beaches do not have the (almost) virginity of their southern counterparts, but they are equipped with infrastructures making them more attractive. If you opt for the north, take the N2 from Nouakchott to the international airport and to Nouadhibou. To reach the Bahamas beach, don't miss the directional sign, near the asphalt, marking the starting point of the access track. For the Sultanes and Océanides beaches, take the asphalt road leading to the Al Salam Resort, 2 kilometers further north (PK 13). These three beaches, although geographically very close, are unique in their atmosphere and sociological composition. Generally very busy on weekends, the Sultanes beach, with its restaurant, its fine sand, its volleyball court and its umbrellas topping transatlantic boats, is particularly popular with expatriates. The friendly owner of the place, Nicolas (+222 44 33 22 53), who is both in charge of the place and the mill, had the judicious idea to install equipped cabins (refrigerator, air conditioning, shower...) and tents in order to hear the surf during the night. Count 5 000 MRU for 24 hours for the first ones, 1 000 MRU per night for the second ones. Much quieter and less crowded, the Océanides beach (+222 22 91 91 52) has khaimas, ideal for families to enjoy a mechoui. Here, you can eat (fish, shellfish ...) and find inspiration, like the writer Beyrouk who wrote two of his novels in this place. Finally, the popular Bahamas beach (+222 20 75 77 77) is characterized by its local color: twirling pitchouns, dromedaries (50 MRU for a very short ride along the waves), effluent of food concocted under the canvas, music without mute ... This beach is also equipped with a paddling pool and swings for the youngest. Whichever beach you choose, you will have to pay 100 MRU for parking.

Located in the center of the city, in the north, you will certainly see it: its high minarets are precious landmarks in Nouakchott, which can help you find your way back. Built in the 1970s, the Faysal Mosque, known as the Saudi Mosque, has two characteristic minarets. In January 2023, it was equipped with high quality prayer rugs, and this over its entire area, namely 6 600^m2! Its sandy color makes it perfectly integrated into the city, and on windy days, it seems to disappear.

Do you love movie theaters? Inveterate music lover? Fascinated by literature? A photography buff? A contemporary dance enthusiast? Library rat? Whatever your passion, whatever your interests, the French Institute will satisfy your every artistic and cultural taste. We offer literary meetings, film screenings, various exhibitions, reading evenings, concerts and artistic workshops (plastic arts, classical dance, breakdance, musical awakening...). To your diaries!