Cultural Family Adventure in Historic Saint-Louis, Senegal

First Impressions of Senegal's Saint-Louis

As our family adventure in Saint-Louis began, I couldn't help but feel the echoes of history reverberating through the streets. The air was thick with anticipation, a blend of excitement and curiosity, as we set out to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site. From the moment we crossed the Faidherbe Bridge, it felt like stepping into a living postcard, a place where time stood still, and the vibrant culture of Senegal embraced us. Francisca, Nilton and I were excited to explore this city, and I was eager to share my impressions with all of you.


Discover the historic Faidherbe Bridge in St. Louis, Senegal, a stunning connection between culture, history, and breathtaking views.
Our journey from Lisbon to Dakar was smooth, and the scenic drive to Saint-Louis offered glimpses of Senegal's diverse landscapes. I was immediately struck by the warmth of the Senegalese people, their smiles as radiant as the West African sun. Despite forgetting my binoculars, I was ready to fully embrace the week ahead. It was a relief to finally arrive in Saint-Louis, ready to immerse ourselves in its rich history and culture. I made a mental note to buy some binoculars at Nimzatt Galerie. My excitement was only matched by Nilton's, who was already pointing out the vibrant colours and bustling streets from the car window. Francisca, ever the observer, was taking in the architectural details, a seamstress's eye appreciating the blend of styles.


Explore Nimzatt Galerie in St. Louis for a unique selection of Senegalese crafts, art, and souvenirs that capture the essence of local culture.
Our first stop was breakfast at El Malick. The restaurant was already bustling with locals, a sure sign of good food. I ordered a traditional Senegalese breakfast, a flavorful combination of spiced rice, fish, and vegetables. Francisca opted for a lighter meal of fresh fruit and yogurt, while Nilton, ever the adventurous eater, dove right into the rice. This is way better than toast, Papa! he exclaimed, earning a chuckle from the nearby patrons. I enjoyed the blend of traditional Senegalese flavors with international influences.


Discover the vibrant flavors of Senegal at El Malick in St. Louis - where tradition meets taste in every bite.
Fueled and ready, we ventured out to explore the city. The Faidherbe Bridge was our first official stop. As we approached, its iron arches loomed impressively against the clear blue sky. I shared with Nilton the history of the bridge, how it was designed by Gustave Eiffel and originally intended for the Danube River. He was fascinated by the thought of a bridge travelling all the way from Europe to Africa. Walking across, we paused to take in the panoramic views of the Senegal River, the bustling harbor, and the colorful buildings that lined the waterfront. The bridge was alive with activity – pedestrians, cyclists, and horse-drawn carts creating a vibrant tapestry of movement. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the engineering marvel that connected Saint-Louis to the mainland.

Saint-Louis is a symphony of colors, sounds, and stories, a place where every corner reveals a new layer of history and culture, inviting you to lose yourself in its timeless charm.

Next on our itinerary was the Village des Arts. As a tour guide in Lisbon, I am always drawn to places where creativity flourishes, and this artistic enclave did not disappoint. The village was a maze of colorful murals, unique sculptures, and galleries showcasing the talents of local artisans. We wandered through the studios, admiring the diverse range of artwork, from traditional crafts to contemporary installations. I was particularly impressed by the intricate wood carvings and the vibrant paintings that captured the essence of Senegalese life. Francisca, with her keen eye for detail, was drawn to the textiles, admiring the patterns and craftsmanship of the local fabrics.


Explore the creative heart of Senegal at Village des Arts de Saint Louis, where local artists bring their vibrant culture to life through unique artworks.
Nilton, predictably, was most interested in the artists themselves. He peppered them with questions about their techniques, their inspirations, and their favorite colors. The artists, in turn, were patient and encouraging, sharing their knowledge and passion with the young apprentice. One artist, a sculptor named Ibrahima, even let Nilton try his hand at carving a small piece of wood. It was a messy but rewarding experience, and Nilton emerged from the studio covered in sawdust and beaming with pride. I made sure to purchase a small carving as a souvenir of his first artistic endeavor.

Leaving the Village des Arts, we strolled through the streets of Saint-Louis, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic city. The colonial architecture was a feast for the eyes – grand buildings with ornate balconies, pastel-colored facades, and wrought-iron details. I imagined what life must have been like during the colonial era, when Saint-Louis was the capital of French West Africa. I pointed out the architectural details to Francisca, explaining the blend of French and African styles. She, in turn, shared her knowledge of traditional Portuguese embroidery, noting the similarities and differences in the decorative motifs.

As we walked, we passed by numerous shops and boutiques, each offering a glimpse into the local culture. Nimzatt Galerie was particularly interesting, with its display of local crafts, art, and souvenirs. We stepped inside, and I was immediately drawn to the collection of vintage postcards depicting scenes of Cabo Verde and Lisbon. It was a nostalgic reminder of my roots and the journey that had brought me to this vibrant city. Francisca found a beautiful piece of Senegalese fabric, perfect for a new dress, while Nilton was captivated by a set of miniature djembes, which he promptly began to play with, creating a lively rhythm that filled the gallery. I finally remembered to buy some binoculars, for the next day's birdwatching trip to Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. I also bought a power adapter, remembering that I had forgotten to pack one.

Lunchtime found us at Chez Dasso, a local restaurant known for its authentic Senegalese cuisine. The restaurant was small and unassuming, but the aroma wafting from the kitchen was irresistible. We ordered a variety of dishes, including thieboudienne (fish and rice), yassa (chicken in onion sauce), and mafé (beef in peanut sauce). The food was flavorful and delicious, a true taste of Senegal. Nilton particularly enjoyed the thieboudienne, declaring it even better than his grandmother's version (a statement that earned me a playful nudge from Francisca).


Experience authentic Senegalese cuisine at Chez Dasso in Saint-Louis – where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.
As the afternoon wore on, we continued our exploration of Saint-Louis, discovering hidden courtyards, charming cafes, and bustling marketplaces. We stumbled upon a local tailoring shop, where Francisca struck up a conversation with the seamstress, exchanging tips and techniques. I watched as they bonded over their shared love of fabric and design, a testament to the universal language of craftsmanship.

For dinner, we decided to try Ndar Saveurs, enticed by the promise of authentic African cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with traditional music playing softly in the background. We savored each bite, reflecting on the day's adventures and the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells that had filled our senses. I made sure to try the local Gazelle beer.


Experience authentic African cuisine at Ndar Saveurs in St. Louis, where local flavors meet vibrant culture for an unforgettable dining experience.
As the sun began to set, we found ourselves back at the Faidherbe Bridge, watching as the sky transformed into a canvas of fiery hues. The city lights twinkled on, casting a magical glow over the Senegal River. It was a perfect ending to our first day in Saint-Louis, a day filled with discovery, connection, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and culture of Senegal.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary and Langue de Barbarie. I am excited to see all the birds that inhabit the sanctuary. Nilton is excited to see the birds as well. Before we head to bed, though, we plan to visit Iguane Cafe for a relaxing drink.

Tomorrow promises more adventure, and I can't wait to share it with you all. Until then, à bientôt from Saint-Louis!