ROCK NEIGHBOURHOOD

Some of the island's oldest colonial buildings are still standing, including the Air France and Air Austral buildings, the post office dating from the beginning of the century, and the nearby customs and paierie offices. Not far from the Place de France, where a war memorial stands, admire the former prefecture, the former residence of the island's governors, built in 1881 to designs by Gustave Eiffel. It's easy to recognize his style, with its metal beams. Since then, the building has been used for cultural purposes, and now belongs to the Conseil général rather than the préfecture as before. The "mosque of the Indians" has been transformed into a hotel, Le Rocher, to which a beautiful terrace has been added. On the Place de France, the prefecture and its tropical garden are guarded by two old cannons, one of which is said to have been used during Napoleon's last campaigns. It was here that Mayotte's attachment to France was proclaimed, as was the abolition of slavery. The hospital's arcaded buildings and charming little chapel are also of great interest. The church of Saint-Michel, whose foundations date back to 1849, is located just next door, not far from some fine colonial homes. For several years now, the Sisygambis audioguide "Le rocher de Dzaoudzi" (The Rock of Dzaoudzi) has provided an original way to discover the history of the district in French, English, Kibushi and Shimahore! A major project carried out by university students and the Shime association. Free download, accessible on phone and tablet.