Looking for friends from the Amporaha camp in Nosy Be

Hi Patrick, My region is doing great tourism-wise. I just Skyped with a friend who’s been a merchant for generations in Nosy-Be. He tells me there are more tourists this year. It’s true because I’ve also had more requests to come stay with us: les-piroguiers.com Just in case you didn’t know, I’m trying to preserve a peninsula, and for some time now, I’ve been organizing stays with outings through my association, just like before. It’s true that this is my little corner—I created it—but calling it a "paradise" is far from my mind! Though it could be, or it is, but only for dreamers... Cheers, Francis the Nosy-Be local

Hey there, Friend! I checked out your site, Les Piroguiers, during my stay in Madagascar—it brought back childhood memories. I’ll be making films and taking photographs of nature and the beauty of certain sites. So, if you’d like, I can create some short films for your site or even stage some scenes to attract vacationers... To start, you could take some photos, and I could put together an animation for you. This is a free offer from a former Nosy-Be local... Kudos to you for protecting your property! With my future images, I can add value to your regulated tourism efforts. Cheers, Vélouma. PR😉

hi francis, lucky you—you’re gonna make me dream again! I’m looking into heading to Tana next year. Hope you have a great trip—we’re with you in spirit. yves

😉Hi Lenosybeen GREAT SITE I'll be back in Madagascar and I'll come see you

Have a great vacation

Hi Patrick, Thanks so much for your offer—it’s really kind of you—but welcoming a ton of tourists isn’t at all my goal or that of the association. That said, hosting a certain type of tourists, among others: yes! In fact, to stay true to my goals, I just turned down an offer from a big tour operator (travel agency) for October 2017. Personally, I think the site: les-piroguiers.com that I created for the association is already a bit too modern, as are the photos—but those are from passing contributors and haven’t been retouched. The peninsula we’re on, which I want to protect, isn’t my property! See you soon, Francis the Nosy Be local

Hi Yves, Thanks, and if you need any info on flights or anything else—Tana, the road, etc.—don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m doing Tana ==> Nosy Be by road due to finances. And Jean-Marie, any news from him? Cheers, Francis, the Nosy Be local

Hi Christian, Thanks for the site—some of the old-timers really helped me with the text. I’d be delighted to have you over. A warm welcome and a special stay are obviously reserved for anyone who knew the Ivato base or the Amporaha camp. Goes without saying! Cheers, Francis, the Nosy Be local

😏Thanks, see you soon!

My suggestion wasn’t about mass tourism—far from it—just adding a few complementary images to your site to help showcase it better... Like you, I’m not a fan of big touristy tours; that’s not my style at all. Especially since we always travel as backpackers, even with 60 candles on the cake... Thankfully, there are still some protected corners left on our planet... But adding photos or short videos sometimes lets me see and get to know a region we’d like to rediscover... I hope you’ve better understood my proposal now... I’ll reach out again when you’re back in mainland France. Wishing you great moments—here, we’re heading into the gloomy season with bad weather on the way... Warm regards from Aquitaine. Patrick

A promise kept, a little recap of our stay on the pirogue islanders' islet. Two sublime days to immerse ourselves in nature, a "cabin" with all the comforts for sleeping and being lulled by the waves. Animals to keep us company, a garden in full bloom. Simple and delicious cuisine with more than ultra-fresh fish! A haven of peace in this place. The shyness and kindness of the people who welcome us and take care of us. No cars, no electricity, no noise, yet still comfortable!!!!!! That’s the summary—an absolute must-do.

Leila and Stephane

Hello everyone, Leila, thanks for this description. I'm off again! 😉 leaving tomorrow morning still with Kenya Airways to Ivato and then the bus to Nosy-Be, with my final destination being my village: les-piroguiers.com



and pineapples between every hut!!! 😉

It's true, I was already there in April-May! But what can I say, I can't resist the call of the sea! However, I find it a shame (for him) that some of us, old-timers from Ivato and the Amporaha camp, told me they were there at the same time as me in May. I think we could have at least met up, if only to take a little trip to the sacred islet 😎! Isn’t that right, Christian?

So, still true to my motto: Those who love me, follow me! So, until I return on September 12th, I wish you all: Have a great holiday here or why not in Nosy-Be!!!! 😏 See you soon, Francis the Nosy-Be local

Hi Francis, Enjoy your trip!! I’m so jealous.... It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you, and I haven’t been great at keeping in touch either!! A little trip to your little paradise brings back great memories! Anyway, have a great trip, and I’ll try to get in touch as soon as I can. Best, Philippe

Hi Francis! Enjoy your stay. Hope you and your family are doing well. Can’t wait to read about your adventures and see photos of this gorgeous paradise. Sending you big hugs. Marie jo

Hi Francis, In April 2018, I’ll be visiting the "Big Island" with a stopover in Nosy Be alongside former members of BA 181. Maybe I’ll have the pleasure of meeting you? I’ll reach out via PM on the BA 181 Ivato site. Best regards.

Hi Henri, I’d be happy to help, but I just arrived last night at Ivato and will be staying in Nosy-Be until September 13th, of course. So don’t worry if my replies take a while—I’m often out at sea with my pirogues!

In the meantime, here’s a team of former BA members who came to spend their vacation with me in Nosy-Be: and our mode of transport:

Otherwise, get in touch with Christian Grévisse—he’ll explain everything. See you soon, Francis, the Nosy-Be local

Hello Francis, and enjoy your stay on the Isle of Fragrances, as it used to be called... In memory of June 1965, warm regards to the coconut trees, my favorite tree!

Best wishes to the former members of BA 181. Pierre

Hello, I hope you don't mind me asking if, by any chance, you knew Soldier Gérard Payet in Ivato around 1960/1962, more or less. We spent a lot of time with his family—our mothers worked together. I’d love to know if you’ve stayed in touch with any of your regiment buddies, especially this soldier from back then. Thanks for your reply!

Madagascar, what a beautiful country—so many unforgettable memories. Greetings! My VoyageForum username is colimaçons

Hello, I hope you don’t mind me asking if, by any chance, you knew Soldier Gérard Payet in Ivato around 1960/1962, give or take. We spent a lot of time with his family—our mothers worked together. I’d love to know if you’ve stayed in touch with any of your regiment buddies, especially this soldier from back then. Thanks for your reply! Mada, what a beautiful country—so many unforgettable memories. Greetings, my Voyage Forum username is colimaçons.

Good evening, I was in Mada from November 1964 to October 1965, so I couldn’t have known Gérard Payet. But I did have another Payet with me at the time, originally from La Réunion, as expected. I’ve reconnected with a few buddies from my time thanks to this site. The site’s creator, Francis (what a job he’s done!), was only about ten years old when I was in Nosy Bé, and I knew his parents well—I was the camp driver in June 1965..... What a marvel!! Hopefully, we’ll catch up. Best regards, Pierre.

Hello, I’m reaching out to ask if by any chance you knew soldier Gérard Payet in Ivato around 1960/1962, give or take. We spent a lot of time with his family—our mothers worked together. I’d love to know if you’ve stayed in touch with any of your regiment buddies, especially this soldier from back then. Thanks for your reply! Madagascar—what a beautiful country, so many unforgettable memories. Cheers, my VoyageForum username is colimaçons.

Good evening, I was in Madagascar from November 1964 to October 1965, so I couldn’t have known Gérard Payet. But I had another Payet with me at the time, originally from Réunion, as expected. I’ve reconnected with a few buddies from my time thanks to this site. The site’s creator, Francis (what a job he’s done!), was only about ten years old when I was in Nosy Be, and I knew his parents well. I was the camp driver in June 1965..... What a marvel! Hopefully, we’ll catch up. Best regards, Pierre.

Hello, thank you for your reply. I must’ve misread or thought you were in Ivato around 1960/1962. There are so many Payets! My family and I would’ve been thrilled to hear news of them. Thanks again for your response. Wishing you all the best. Kind regards, (colimaçons)

Happy New Year to everyone! Wishing you all great health above all. I’m back from Nosy Be and available for anyone who wants information. lenosybeen@orange.fr

in December 2017

Nosy Be in... 1960?