Situation of the Region

In the PK 407 of the National Road RN 7, Fianarantsoa is the historic center of Betsileo . Resemblance with the capital of Madagascar is remarkable. : the lower town, the Anosy lake, the old districts climbing on a steep hill where thrones a cathedral, the architecture of houses, and even a railway connecting the city with the East Coast. 

A visit of the old town with its long paved alley, its stairs and its paths, its Protestant temple built in 1859 is a must. 

The best place to have a magnificent sight view in the three levels of the city is Kianjasoa's hill (1374 m).


Access

Air 
Through direct flights to Antananarivo by Air Madagascar. 

Road 
- RN 7 from Antsirabe and Antananarivo Northward, and Toliara south-westward. 
- RN 45 then RN 25 to Ranomafana and Mananjary on the Eastern Coast. 
- RN 7 to Ihosy in the South then RN 13 (very hard road) to Ambovombe and Tolagnaro (Fort-Dauphin) in the extreme South-East of the island. 
- RN 7 to Antsirabe in the North, then RN 34 to Morondava via Miandrivazo in the West.

Railway  
Fianarantsoa - East Coast ( Manakara) gradually opened for the traffic. It is the most tourist line of Madagascar. 
Please, discover the Web site in : www.madatours.com/fce

Fianarantsoa's neighbourhood 

23 km in the north-east is located Sahambavy, its stretch of water giving itself to water sports, and its plantations of tea 

Rice fields are gradually changed into vineyards in Andriamboasary (7km in the north-west), in Isorana (41km in the West), or in Soaindrana (9km in the South). As for any wine-producing region, visits of cellars with tasting are included in the program.

From Fianarantsoa to Andringitra

- Nested in a basin where hamlets alternate with bouquets of eucalyptus, fields of tobaccos and vineyards, Ambalavao is the capital of Betsileo's luxurious tissues called " lamba arindrano ".
It is also the capital of Antemoro paper, a very beautiful traditional paper used for binding, tapestry, luxury books, lampshades and other office accessories. 

- Cliff of Ifandana in 18 km in the South-West of Ambalavao is visible from the RN 7. Panorama view is wonderful especially from the highest cliff where all the plain, its rice fields, casual flow of Manantanana can be appreciated. Walk can be made in half-day, please inquire with Ambalavao's authorities. 

- Ambondrombe between Ambalavao and Ikongo is the mountain about which one would not discuss without superstitious fear. It would be the place of itinerancy of the deceased ones. It is permanently wrapped by thick fogs even when all the surroundings soak in a radiant sun.
The mountain range of Andringitra in 50 km in the south-east of Ambalavao culminates at 2665 m with the Peak Boby, second summit of the island. The oriental part of it was recently classified National park and shelters invaluable vestiges of primary forest.

Curiosities and Events in the region

- Museum visit in Mahazoarivo 
- Visit of the Rova of the upper town (Ancient fortress) 
- Visit of the Lake Sahambavy and plantation of the Sahambavy's famous Tea 
- Visit of the Workshop of Antemoro paper at Ambalavao. 
- Tour of vineyards of the region with tasting 
 

Zomatel, a throrougly confident partner.