CAVA Centre Artisanal de la Ville d'Abidjan — Attraction in Marcory

Definitely worth a visit as the CAVA is the main center of art of Abidjan. You can find all sorts of souvenirs, from keyhangers, to endemic statues, clothing made of local linnen, to paintings. Prices may vary quite a bit, make sure to negotiate! Two strategies suggested: 1.go early morning as to be first customer of the day, the shop owner will want to make a sale to start the day well (this is regarded as an omen of good luck) 2.go in the evening, usually the shop owners that have had bad day will want to make a sale in order not to go home empty handed / be able to buy food for dinner. Important: If you buy larger wooden statues or many wooden items, you'll need to go to the National Museum of Abidjan and add a small amount to your purchase for obtaining an export certificate. If you don't, during luggage scanning at the airport, you could face either confiscation or a fine (depends on the guy you have in front of you)... There is lots of shade provided by the trees, so you can go any time of the day really. In the middle of the CAVA you also have a typical local restaurant (maquis) where all types of local dishes are served for lunch as well as cold drinks (can be...

A market for varieties handicrafts. Wooden crafts and leather products are found in affluence here. Various types of animals made of wood will surely enchant someone. But it's the leather products which attracted me most. And the leather means crocodile, lizard and snake leather. Lol. Not the usual leather product. Men's wallet and web belt and women's vanity bag of numerous size and shape are available here. Wallets range from 1500 to 5000 cfa and bags range from 5000 to 20000 cfa basing on various size. Usually crocodile leather products are a little costly. I think this market is very famous to the foreigners and tourists. Sellers are equally communicable in both English and French. But remember the most important rule to shop here, " Bargainers are the ultimate winners". You must have to remain prepared to deal with the prices three or four times more than the actual one. Shoot your price accordingly....

It was a pleasure to see a variety of traditional crafts from Cote d’Ivoire in one place. Perhaps because of the fusion of West African cultures, some clerks do not speak French well. It may be interesting to find a painter whose style you like to order a painting if you have enough days to stay here. Some shops also sell cute accessories, key rings, dolls, bags that children will love, and lots of kinds of interior props. Most of all, I hope they stop charging more than twice...