Madagascar’s Hidden Gem: Antsirabe, the Highland City of Gems 🌿💎

"The world sits on our hearts, and our hearts hold summer." Today, we explore Antsirabe, a charming European-style town nestled in the highlands of Madagascar—Africa’s largest island. Known as the "City of Water" and the highest-altitude city in Madagascar (1,273m), Antsirabe is famed for its gemstones (tourmaline, sapphire, quartz)13, thermal springs, and colonial French architecture. A Day in Antsirabe Sipped strange sour-cream coffee ☕ (a local specialty) Bought flowers 🌸 (shared half with a neighbor—her daughter brought me tea in return!) Rode colorful rickshaws 🚲 (some even foot-pulled!) under crisp, sunny skies Discovered bizarre peanuts 🥜 (Madagascar’s version looks nothing like regular peanuts!) How to Get Here From Antananarivo (Capital): Cotisse Transport bus (4h, ~20,000 Ariary / €4.50)5 Self-drive/private car (Stopover if heading south to Morondava/Isalo) Local Transport: "Pousse-pousse" (rickshaws) – Short trips: 1,000 Ariary (~€0.20), long trips: 2,000 Ariary (~€0.40) Negotiate guided tours (e.g., 5,000 Ariary for a full-city ride + photo stops) Where to Stay (Budget Picks!) Near Cotisse Transport Station – A 50,000 Ariary (~€10) hotel (spacious, convenient for buses) Tranombarotra Ravaka area – 30,000 Ariary (~€6) colonial guesthouse (old-town charm, French-era vibes)5 More options: Local recs or book online (from €19)2 Must-Do in Antsirabe Thermal Baths – Relax at Hotel des Thermes, a 19th-century French spa retreat1. Lake Andraikiba – Buy handcrafted gemstone jewelry by the lakeside8. Tritriva Crater Lake – A 160m-deep volcanic lake with a tragic love legend3. Gemstone Hunting – Browse for tourmaline, sapphires & quartz in local markets1. Why Visit? European charm meets Malagasy culture (French retirees love it here!) Gateway to Madagascar’s southern parks (Isalo, Morondava) Affordable, unique, and full of warmth ❤️ #MadagascarHiddenGems #Antsirabe #GemstoneParadise #PoussePousseAdventures