Antsirabe, the City of Water

Antsirabe is a charming “spa town” surrounded by volcanic mountains, located 170 km south of Antananarivo. It’s the third-largest city in Madagascar. With its fresh air and cool climate all year round, Antsirabe is the perfect place for family vacations or trips with friends. A city tour by rickshaw through broad, jacaranda-lined avenues will take you on a new adventure.

History

Historically, Antsirabe has been nicknamed “the Malagasy Vichy.” The town was founded in the early 18th century by Nicolas Mayeur, the first European to visit the city, who named it Andratsay.
In 1872, Norwegian missionaries settled there to teach the locals how to make bricks and construct permanent houses. The town was renamed Tsirabe.
In the 20th century, French colonists also moved in, building numerous structures, hotels, residences, a post office, a train station, and many gardens. Today, its colonial influence is still evident in its architecture.
In 1953, the King of Morocco, Mohammed V, and his son, Hassan II, were held in exile by the French at the prestigious Hôtel des Thermes. Their stay left a lasting memory for the people of Antsirabe.
The name “Antsirabe” comes from the Malagasy words “Any sira be,” which means “where salt abounds.” This local salt has been renowned since ancient times due to its abundance.

Visiting Antsirabe

The best way to explore the city is by rickshaw. This mode of transportation makes for a pleasant and authentic tour.
Antsirabe is a delightful city with many attractions to charm its visitors. Start your discovery of the "city of water" from the majestic train station on Independence Square. This green, peaceful avenue offers a distant view of the old Antsirabe train station.
Continue your excursion with a visit to the cathedral, a building dating back to the 1950s. You’ll notice its resemblance to European religious buildings, reflecting the city’s colonial past. Nearby, you can enjoy the Hôtel des Thermes, one of Antsirabe's iconic buildings. With its imposing structure, the hotel’s European architectural lines will transport you to the 1980s.
Moving on, you’ll encounter the Ranomafana Thermal Center, which attracts numerous visitors each year. Although officially named the “National Center for Crenotherapy and Thermo-Climatism,” locals and rickshaw drivers simply call it the “Thermal.” In the early 20th century, this spa was famous throughout the Indian Ocean for treating rheumatism. The Thermal Center offers treatments, massages, and wellness therapies. A brief stay here will allow you to benefit from the properties of its hot spring waters.
Along the road to the slaughterhouse, Andranovisy is another pride of Antsirabe. Drinking a bit of its Ranovisy, known as “Malagasy Vichy water,” provides a refreshing sensation and is also beneficial for the stomach. This invigorates you to head westward and discover the Asabotsy market, the Antsenakely market, and the zebu market. At these bustling markets, diverse crowds fill the aisles, actively selling or negotiating various products, making these visits lively and dynamic.
To conclude your exploration of the city in style, visit the two volcanic lakes: Lake Andraikiba and Lake Tritriva. These large bodies of water are surrounded by beautiful landscapes perfect for relaxing and photography sessions.

Climate

Situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters, Antsirabe is the coolest city in Madagascar, with a warm climate and dry winters.
In winter, between July and August, temperatures can drop to around 5°C in the evenings and at night, sometimes even nearing 0°C.