Island of Saint-Louis

Island of Saint-Louis sits where the Senegal River meets the ocean, showing colonial buildings arranged in grid-patterned streets and active markets. The architecture from the French colonial period creates a distinctive layout that visitors notice immediately upon arrival.

The island began as a French colonial outpost and served from 1872 to 1957 as the capital of Senegal and administrative center of French West Africa. After independence, it lost its political importance but preserved its historic buildings and street layout.

The jazz festival draws musicians from across the world and reflects the island's role as a creative hub. Local craftspeople maintain traditional skills in their workshops and sell handmade goods in the markets.

Visitors reach the island via the Faidherbe Bridge or local ferries, while several hotels operate from restored colonial mansions along the waterfront. Walking is the best way to explore, with narrow streets making motorized transport impractical for most journeys.

The island faces rising sea levels and has adopted specialized preservation methods to protect its historic structures from coastal erosion. This adaptive approach makes it a living example of how heritage sites address climate challenges.