Soarano station, image of the capital

 
Soarano station was built in 1908 with the ideas of French architect Fouchard. His ambition was to build a station in the same configuration as the stations of France in the nineteenth century. The gamble was successful since the beautiful station with colonial architecture remains one of the most visited buildings of the Big Island. It is located in the city centre of Antananarivo, at the extreme north of the large avenue of independence in Analakely. The name "Soarano" means "good water" and comes from the fact that the building was founded on reclaimed land of an old fountain.
 
 
2008 was a milestone in the history of Soarano Station. This is the time when it was renovated to be transformed into a place of exchange of all kinds, including shopping galleries and cultural events. Indeed, after the railway activities ceased completely, these activities were put in place in order to compensate the self-destruction of the beautiful station. The exterior has been embellished and remains well maintained, the beauty of the facade leaves no one indifferent since it has retained its style of yesteryear.
 
This article was featured in Prime Magazine March 2018

Useful Information

When to go

Antananarivo has a warm temperate climate where the summer is hot and marked by stormy rains and the winter is very cool. In general, the weather in Antananarivo is pleasant. You just have to avoid the cyclone periods from December to April.

How to get there

The international airport of Ivato, located about twenty kilometres from the city centre, serves Antananarivo and the major cities of the world. From Paris, fly directly to Ivato airport through Air Madagascar airline with scheduled flights.

Where to stay

Choose Hotel Colbert - Spa & Casino for your well-being. This is one of the most beautiful hotels in the city, a real palace with a sublime setting. The Louvre Hotel & Spa is also located in the city. At the hotel La Ribaudière or at L'Urban Hotel to enjoy an exceptional view overlooking the city centre.

Where to eat

The restaurants of these hotels offer you succulent revisits of your favorite specialities. The café at the train station in Soarano station is the ideal place to have a drink and socialise. French cuisines are in the spotlight.

What to see

Antananarivo or the city of miles, the capital of Madagascar, offers a thousand treasures and a thousand attractions. Start by visiting Analakely and its surroundings. It is the crossroads of all trade with its many shops. The visit is very interesting although very noisy. More to the west, several hotels and restaurants crisscross the streets of Antaninarenina and Isoraka. Finish the journey with a visit of the upper town and its historical monuments, ancient buildings that retrace the most important stories of Antananarivo, starting with the Queen's Palace or Anatirova which gives access to the royal tombs, the palace of King Andrianampoinimerina , the first king of Madagascar, at the Palace called Manampisoa, the Palace called Tranovola or silver house, and the Palace of Queens, the majestic construction overlooking the capital. Discover, not far from the Courthouse, the Palace of the Prime Minister and the alleys that have marked history.