Why Go?Blighted by recent conflict but bejewelled by beaches and rainforests, it would be a shame to sidestep Cote d’Ivoire because of its baggage.

Cote d’Ivoire is a stunner, shingled with starfish-studded sands, and forest roads so orange they resemble strips of bronzing powder.

In the south, the Parc National de Taï hides secrets, spe-cies and nut-cracking chimps under the boughs of its trees, while the peaks and valleys of Man offer a highland climate, fresh air and local art.

The beach resorts of low-key Assinie and arty Grand Bas-sam were made for weekend retreats from Abidjan, the capi-tal in all but name, where lagoons wind their way between skyscrapers and cathedral spires pierce the blue heavens.

Best Places to Eat¨¨ Aboussouan (p273)

¨¨ Mille Maquis (p271)

¨¨ Des Gateaux et Du Pain (p273)

Best Places to Stay¨¨ La Licorne (p271)

¨¨ Beneath the forest canopy, Parc National de Taï (p279)

¨¨ Le Wafou (p271)

When to Go

May–Jul Storms to rival those in Oct–Nov; be prepared for buckets of rain and lightning.

Jun–Oct Wet in the north but humid with bursts of rain in the south. Tempera-tures about 28°C.

Dec–Feb Prime beach season, with tempera-tures hitting 30°C and not a cloud in the sky.

F DNOSAJJMAMJ

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Abidjan ....................... 270The Eastern Beaches .....................275Grand Bassam ........... 275Assinie ........................ 278The West Coast .......... 278Sassandra & Around ....................... 278San Pédro ................... 278The Centre ................. 278Yamoussoukro ........... 278The North ................... 279Man ............................ 279Around Man ...............280

Côte d’Ivoire%225 / POP 21.9 MILLION

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Côte d’Ivoire’s economic engine is strapped between lagoons and waterways, overlook-ing the crested waves of the Atlantic. At first glimpse, you wonder if these shiny scrapers can really be in West Africa.

Although Abidjan took a beating during the 2011 crisis, the engine rattled on, and

new bars, bistros and hotels are opening regularly; this is, after all, one of Africa’s sleekest party cities.

1¨SightsAbidjan gets props for its breathtaking sky-line. It all started with La¨Pyramide (Map p274; cnr Ave Franchet d’Esperey & Blvd Botreau-Roussel), by the Italian architect Olivieri.

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1 Taking your taste buds to poisson braisé heaven then swaying to the sweet sounds of coupé-decalé in the shadow of the stunning skyline in Abidjan (p270).

2 Tapping into Côte d’ivoire’s artistic vibe, visiting galleries and the

quirky beachfront bistros of Grand Bassam (p275).

3 Lazing in a pirogue, watching surfers slide to shore and tucking into fresh seafood under the stars of Assinie (p278).

4 Hiking to the point where three West African countries converge and feasting upon the green fields below, home to mask and jewellery makers, in Man (p279).

5 Exploring the dense Parc National de Taï (p279), home to a colony of nut-cracking chimps.

Côte d’Ivoire Highlights