Antsirabe

Located 170 km from Antananarivo, Antsirabe is a must-see for those wishing to discover the south and west of Madagascar. It is also one of the most European cities with its tree-lined avenues and streets, and is also notable for the various buildings left behind by the French during their occupation. More than 200 years ago, rock salt was mined in these areas, and it is from this trade that the city takes its name from Antsirabe, literally “where there is a lot of salt”. However, there are many people who think that the city's name comes from the fact that its many hot springs are salty.