Your flights to Libreville, Gabon are booked and you're keen to learn a little more about the city's history and tourist attractions. You want to make the most out of your time there, because you know that it's difficult to truly appreciate a place if you don't know its history or where to go for a truly authentic local experience. You also want to know what the climate is like so you can pack what you'll need and not over-pack. Here then is all you need to know about Libreville to ensure an enjoyable visit:
A short history of Libreville
The French took possession of this area in 1839, which up to that point was inhabited by the Mpongwe tribe, an ethnic group that to this day is still prominent in Gabon. In 1946 a Brazilian slave ship called L'Elizia was captured by the French near Loango. The slaves were given their freedom and settled on the land the French had acquired in Gabon. They called their new home Libreville, which means “Freetown” in French.
Libreville became independent in 1960 by which time it had a population of 32, 000. Since then it has grown exponentially and now houses nearly half the population of Gabon.
The climate in Libreville
Tropical monsoon climate is what you can expect in Libreville. It rains a lot and the wet season runs from September through to May. The dry season runs from June to August. The temperature remains pretty constant throughout the year and average high temperatures are around 30°C, while low temperatures average 23°C.
Some noteworthy attractions
- Musee des Arts et Traditions du Gabon (Museum of Art and Culture). What makes this museum so interesting is that you'll learn about all the different cultures living in Gabon through an unequalled collection of tribal masks. There are also a couple of mixed media art pieces that incorporate these traditional Gabonese masks to great effect.
- Marche du Mont-Bouet. This is Libreville's biggest and best market and is situated near the centre of the city. Anything and everything can be bought here, from impressive wooden sculptures and other trinkets to food. This place is a virtual labyrinth of interesting little stalls. The atmosphere captures the spirit of this city perfectly.
Where to eat
- L'Odika Restaurant. This is where you go if you want to taste the best of what Libreville has to offer. Delectable seafood and impressive meat dishes are on offer and all this can be enjoyed from a beautifully constructed wooden porch. The atmosphere is relaxing and truly authentic.
- Roma Restaurant. For a fine-dining experience visit Roma Restaurant. Here you'll encounter Italian cuisine and local seafood specialities, a great wine list and exceptionally good service.
- La Parisienne Restaurant. This is a beautiful bakery with a Parisian feel. The perfect place for lunch or if you're in the mood for something sweet. The cakes, cookies and pastries are exceptional (even by French standards) and this is also a good place to meet some locals.
Now you are well prepared for your Libreville adventure. Your flights to Libreville are booked and all that's left to do is pack your bags and print out this article. Profiter de votre voyage!
Sources
- “Libreville.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libreville
Nguyen An Tra My
Martin Wynn
