Andoany (better known as Hell-Ville) is the vibrant, bustling administrative capital of Nosy Be. It offers a compelling mix of faded French colonial architecture, colourful markets, and authentic Malagasy culture. Rather than a beach destination, it’s best experienced as a cultural stop—an opportunity to immerse yourself in local life, discover regional spices, and browse handmade crafts.
Despite its ominous name, Hell-Ville has nothing to do with anything infernal. It was named after Anne Chrétien Louis de Hell, a French admiral who served as governor of Réunion Island from 1838 to 1841.
Long before the arrival of Europeans, the area played an active role in maritime trade. Nearby Ambanoro (formerly Marodoka) was a thriving commercial hub as early as the 12th century, populated by Arab and Indian traders. The town itself was officially established in 1841, after the island was ceded to France by Captain Passot of the French warship Colibri. It was named in honour of Admiral de Hell.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hell-Ville developed under French rule, leaving behind a legacy of colonial buildings that still stand today, blending Indian and European architectural influences. Around 1920, the introduction of ylang-ylang trees from Asia transformed the local economy. Nosy Be soon became one of the world’s leading producers of perfume oil, a shift that continues to shape the identity and culture of Hell-Ville.
