Franceville

Franceville (also known as Masuku) is the capital of Haut-Ogooue province and the terminus of the Trans-Gabon Railway. It is a modern planned city with wide boulevards, a university, and the Presidential Palace (built for Omar Bongo, who was born in nearby Bongoville). The city sits on the Mpassa River and is the hub for transport to south-eastern Gabon.

By Plane

Franceville Mvengue Airport (MVB) is 20 km north of the city. Flights from Libreville (1 hour). Taxi to city centre: CFA 5,000.

By Train

The Trans-Gabon Railway arrives at Franceville station from Owendo (12-16 hours, several times per week). First class: CFA 30,000; second class: CFA 15,000.

By Car / Road

The N2 highway connects Franceville to Lastoursville and Koulamoutou (4-5 hours to the west). Roads are paved but in variable condition.

Shared taxis (CFA 200-500) and private taxis are available. The city is spread out; walking is practical only in the central area.

• Presidential Palace — A grand hillside complex built for Omar Bongo (not open to the public).

• Franceville Cathedral — A modern Catholic cathedral.

• Mpassa River — The river flowing through the city with walking paths along the bank.

• University of Health Sciences — One of Central Africa's leading medical schools.

• Walk along the Mpassa River promenade.

• Visit the central market for local crafts.

• Explore the surrounding hills.

• Le Relax — Restaurant serving French and Gabonese cuisine.
• Chez Maman — Local dishes: poulet nyembwe, grilled fish, and fufu.

Regab and Castel beer are widely available. Small bars (nganda) are found throughout the city.

• Budget: Hotel Relais de la Mpassa — basic rooms; CFA 15,000-25,000.
• Mid-range: Hotel Franceville — comfortable with restaurant; CFA 30,000-50,000.

The central market sells produce, fabrics, and household goods.

• Moanda (45 km north) — Manganese mining town.
• Bateke Plateau National Park (3 hours east) — Unique savannah landscape.
• Bongoville (40 km east) — Birthplace of President Bongo.