Maison de Jean Laborde
Maison de Jean Laborde
Maison de Jean Laborde (Mantasoa) – located 60 km. east of the capital, is the home of the Frenchman Jean Laborde (1805-1878) who became a prominent industrialist in Madagascar during the 19th century. As an architect, Laborde also built the Queen’s Palace in the capital.
Laborde’s industrial pursuits on the island made Mantasoa a prosperous place during the royal era. He also made munitions for the country’s military. Today, the remains of the blast furnace, the cement kiln, the ruins of the pottery kilns, the lime kiln and the foundry workshop testify to the flourishing past of Mantasoa. There is also a lake nearby, which is conducive to relaxation, sports activities and family outings, such as canoeing, water skiing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and camping.