Côte d'Ivoire pairs a humid Atlantic coast with savanna and rainforest inland. Cosmopolitan Abidjan, with its lagoon and Plateau skyline, sets the rhythm, while political capital Yamoussoukro anchors the centre. West around Man, the « City of 18 Mountains », green peaks hide cascades and sacred bridges; the south keeps colonial Grand-Bassam and palm-fringed Assinie. Cocoa, coffee and a deep mask-carving tradition run through Baoulé, Senoufo and Dan cultures, while zouglou…
Didier Drogba, national idol: after qualifying for the 2006 World Cup, his televised plea to lay down arms marked the country's path toward reconciliation.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Yamoussoukro is the largest church in the world — its dome outsizes St. Peter's in Rome.
Abidjan is tasted in maquis eateries (garba, grilled fish); UNESCO-listed Grand-Bassam is 40 minutes away; Assinie owns the weekend. An eSIM helps: ride-hailing (Yango) over street taxis, and the best maquis spotted online.