3 Best Shopping in Tulear, Madagascar

The name of the store translates to Universe of Stone, and the showroom is a treasure chest of precious and semiprecious gems mined in Madagascar. Rainbow colors come square, oval, and round cut, to name a few. Faceted and polished, the stones are placed in classic and artistic settings by local craftsmen. An exhibition illustrates the cutting and polishing process.

If you didn’t find shells on the beach during your Madagascar vacation, you’ll find them here. Shells collected from the Indian Ocean fill the shop, and prices are low. Some shells are rare, such as red Headset (Cypraecassis rufa), the great newt (chariona tritonis), or elephant ear (cassis cornuta). Be careful what you buy, as particular shells may not be exported.

Artist Eric Mallet engages in the meticulous craft of hand-weaving mohair carpets, giving them the interesting lines and symbols common to ethnic designs or producing a contemporary look with curves and geometric shapes. Various sizes are available.