Discover Saint-Louis 2026

The former French colonial capital of West Africa, on a narrow island in the Senegal River, preserves an exceptionally cohesive historic townscape with its faded colonial facades and wrought-iron balconies, which was declared a World Heritage site in 2000.

The metal bridge, built in the 19th century by the builders of the Eiffel Tower, connects the old town island with the mainland and remains one of the most striking landmarks of the former colonial city.

In the adjacent Guet Ndar fishing district, hundreds of brightly painted wooden pirogues line the shore densely packed, and the daily catch of the local community continues to significantly shape the life and economy of the city.

The nearby Djoudj National Park is one of Africa's most important bird sanctuaries and hosts millions of migratory waterbirds every winter, including large colonies of pelicans and flamingos.

From Dakar, Saint-Louis is reachable by car or bus via a well-maintained road in about four hours, with comfortable long-distance buses running several times a day.

The former French colonial capital of West Africa, on a narrow island in the Senegal River, preserves an exceptionally cohesive historic townscape with its faded colonial facades and wrought-iron balconies, which was declared a World Heritage site in 2000.

The metal bridge, built in the 19th century by the builders of the Eiffel Tower, connects the old town island with the mainland and remains one of the most striking landmarks of the former colonial city.

In the adjacent Guet Ndar fishing district, hundreds of brightly painted wooden pirogues line the shore densely packed, and the daily catch of the local community continues to significantly shape the life and economy of the city.