Le Village

Madagascar


Around 30 highly skilled artisans work here producing intricate scale models of historic ships, fishing boats and famous vessels. Everything is made by hand – from miniature cannons to the ships' sails. One model takes about six months to complete. You can view the artisans at work from Monday to Friday. The showroom (models start at around €200) also opens on Saturday.

The workshop is about 6km south of the airport in the direction of Tana.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Madagascar attractions

1. Parc de Tsarasaotra

3.66 MILES

Lake Alarobia may be located at the heart of Antananarivo's industrial area, but it is a vital refuge and nesting site for 14 threatened endemic bird…

2. Croc Farm

3.94 MILES

This is an unusual place: a commercial crocodile farm that breeds crocs, as well as a zoo where you can see the reptilian giants in all their basking…

3. Gare Soarano

5.41 MILES

Tana’s old train station doesn’t see much passenger traffic these days, so the lovely building has been converted into a small, upmarket shopping centre…

4. Micheline

5.41 MILES

In 1929 French engineer André Michelin, of tyre fame, patented the use of pneumatics on rail vehicles in a bid to improve passenger comfort. Trials were…

5. Analakely Market

5.83 MILES

Antananarivo's main market is a shadow of the former zoma (market), for which the capital was legendary, but you'd only realise this if you came back in…

6. Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie

5.88 MILES

This small, dusty museum in Isoraka gives an overview of archaeological digs around the island, including displays of grave decorations from the south …

7. Presidential Palace

6 MILES

This beautiful 19th-century manor was an official French residence for many years. It became the Malagasy presidential palace in 1975 and remained so…

8. Lac Anosy

6.07 MILES

Antananarivo’s heart-shaped lake lies in the southern part of town. It's particularly lovely in October, when the jacaranda trees lining its shores are…