Discover Fianarantsoa, the Heart of Betsileo Culture
Located in the south of Madagascar, the city of Fianarantsoa sits atop the Ivoenana hill, the 
capital of the Betsileo ethnic group, about 400 km from Antananarivo. Translated, Fianarantsoa means “the city where the good is taught.” Exploring this region of the island will allow you to uncover the historical treasures that are the pride of the city today. Fianarantsoa is also perfect for culinary adventures.
Discover the rich gastronomy of the city of Fianarantsoa, which offers you many surprises with traditional and typical dishes from the southern region.
City Highlights
Located on high hills, the city is divided into three levels. You can start your exploration in the lower town, where you will meet a smiling and friendly local population. A walk through the streets of this part of Fianarantsoa will allow you to get closer to local traditions. The markets and shops are very lively, offering local products such as red rice and many “laoka” or “kabaka” side dishes.
s Hautes Terres“ ist ein beeindruckendes Gebäude, das die katholische Präsenz in der Stadt symbolisiert.
Die Stadt Fianarantsoa ist reich an kulturellem Erbe und bietet eine einzigartige gastronomische Vielfalt, die Sie in den kleinen Restaurants der Stadt entdecken können. Besuchen Sie die verschiedenen Stadtteile und erleben Sie ein wahres kulinarisches Festival während Ihres Aufenthalts in Fianarantsoa.
Discover the culinary diversity of Fianarantsoa in its small restaurants, promising you a true gastronomic festival. On your way to the medium-sized city, you will discover a more modern city with a commercial and industrial area contributing to the region’s economy.
Meanwhile, the third level of Fianarantsoa, known as the Upper Town, is the sanctuary of the city’s past and history. Explore the architecture of the buildings that represent the religious diversity of Fianarantsoa, with the impressive “Vatican of the Highlands” symbolizing the Catholic presence in the city.
Fianarantsoa is rich in cultural heritage and offers a unique gastronomic experience in its small restaurants. Visit the different neighborhoods and indulge in a true culinary festival during your stay in Fianarantsoa.
Fianarantsoa Cathedral is a must-see attraction in the province, proudly located in the upper part of the city. A visit to this area will also lead you to explore the Grand Mosque. The landscape of Upper Fianarantsoa is known for its contrasts, offering a diverse and charming experience as you wander through the streets.
What the city has to offer
It is worth noting that Fianarantsoa is famous for its wine production. The Betsileo region is the only wine producer in Madagascar. Most Malagasy wines, such as [URL], are produced here. The vineyards of Ambalavao, Lazan’i Bestsileo, Château Orchard, and many others come from the wine-producing centers of the Fianarantsoa region.
Wine lovers can take trips on the Madagascar Wine Route and discover the famous vineyards in the Bestileo regions, but truly drinkable wines are a rare find.
Interesting tours in the capital of Betsileo
Fianarantsoa is full of vineyards, and Ambohimalaza could spark some interest.
The Clos Malaza Andoaranomaitso covers an area of about 30 hectares. The estate produces nearly 80 tons of grapes per year and contributes to. Growth of the economy in the region. If you want to visit this huge property, you will have to travel almost 11 km of paved road southwest of Fianarantsoa before passing through a track that stretches over almost 20 km. By taking this route, you can enjoy the beauty of the valleys of the Betsileo region. Rocks and greenery blend together to create a picture that perfectly reflects the uniqueness of southern Madagascar. During this journey, you also have the opportunity to drive through the smaller villages of the Betsileo people. Meeting the people of the south can be enriching in terms of culture, but also in terms of experiencing the local way of life. When you arrive at Clos Malaza, you can discover the local production of Malagasy wine. Clos Malaza is not only a wine producer, but also an ideal place to relax and enjoy your vacation. You will find good facilities ready to welcome you. Many activities such as canoeing or hiking are also offered.
You can also visit the studio of the famous photographer Pierrot Men in Fianarantsoa.
This city is the starting point for the train journey to the Indian Ocean. If you are looking for a completely natural experience, this is the place to be. 
For those craving for adventure, visiting Ranomafana National Park is a must-do activity. Exploring Ranomafana allows you to experience an adventure as close to nature as possible. The hike can last from a few hours to several days, and you need to find the best guide who will reveal all the secrets of a montane rainforest. During this hike, you also have the pleasure of encountering, with a bit of luck, lemurs and many other animals, whether nocturnal or diurnal.
Discover lemurs at the Anja Park near Ambalavao, located approximately 60 km south of Fianarantsoa. The Lac Hotel in Sahambavy with its beautifully landscaped gardens is the perfect hotel in the area, situated about 23km northeast of Fianarantsoa and serving as the starting point for visiting the only tea factory in Madagascar. Just across from Lac Hotel is the Sahambavy Train Station, where you can easily board the train to Manakara.
