Fianarantsoa ('Place Where Good is Learnt') is a provincial capital of Madagascar and the academic and intellectual centre of this Indian Ocean Island. Thanks to extensive missionary activity it is also the country’s Catholic centre. Many Madagascar tours and vacations don’t go to this area yet… even though they should because this Madagascar area is wonderful, beautiful, peaceful and unspoilt by travel…

Fianarantsoa was founded in 1830 when Queen Ranavalona decided to build an intermediate capital between Antananarivo and the remote southern provinces. Fianarantsoa lies at the heart of one of Madagascar’s most fertile agricultural areas, and is renowned for its production of wine and tea. The markets and the bargains that you can get in this Madagascar town on vacation are endless… Fianarantsoa is the place to go to experience Madagascar in its authentic beauty and raw lifestyle. The city has a chilly high-country feel to it and can get quite cool in the evenings. To the west of Fianarantsoa is Mt Kianjasoa (1374 m).

There are some good walks from Fianarantsoa. One easy one is leading north-west passing the Ambozontany cathedral; following the edge of the hill through villages, with pleasant views over the countryside.

Spending time on your Madagascar tour or vacation wandering through the town, walking in nature or relaxing in the beauty is something that everyone will enjoy.