In Fianarantsoa, high on the southern plateaus of Madagascar, La Rizière is both a hotel and a hotel school. Founded by the Jesuit community, the establishment trains young Malagasies in tourism and hospitality while welcoming traveling guests. The 4-hectare site, suspended above a rice-growing valley, opens onto the historic city and its surroundings.

Why stay at La Rizière

• A hotel school and training hotel devoted to tourism and hospitality professions, with a social and educational mission
• A location at the foot of the historic city of Fianarantsoa, cultural capital of the highlands
• A 4-hectare site overlooking a valley of rice paddies, away from urban bustle
• Regional cuisine at the Vary Mena restaurant, designed as a learning ground for students
• A project run by the Jesuit community, whose revenues support the training of local youth

Atmosphere and setting

La Rizière is not an ordinary hotel. Founded by the Jesuit community, the facility trains young people from the region each year in hospitality, service, and culinary arts. The traveler who stays here participates, simply by being present, in a local educational project.

The 4-hectare site, located at the foot of the historic city of Fianarantsoa, is suspended above a rice-growing valley. From the terraces, your gaze sweeps across the paddies below and the old upper town, listed for its architectural heritage from the 18th and 19th centuries. Outdoor lounges and a large play area round out the space, ideal for families and longer stays.

The rooms

La Rizière has ten rooms, all equipped with private bathrooms and offering your choice of double or twin beds. The décor showcases the materials and craftsmanship of the highland region. Some rooms open onto the rice valley below.

Dining and services

Two dining spaces share the site: the Vary Mena restaurant and the Pavilion. The menu highlights Betsileo terroir products — red rice (the vary mena that gives the restaurant its name), highland vegetables, highland cheeses — prepared by students under the supervision of the chef and teaching staff.

Service by apprentices sometimes requires a little patience, but reflects an intentional learning approach. Profits are reinvested in training.

On-site facilities

• Vary Mena restaurant and Pavilion
• Outdoor lounges on the 4-hectare site
• Large play area for children
• WiFi in common areas

Location

La Rizière sits at the foot of Fianarantsoa, a historic city on the Madagascar highlands and capital of the Betsileo region. The city is a classic stop on the southern route connecting Antananarivo to Tuléar via RN7. Expect about a day's drive from the capital, or travel on the legendary Fianarantsoa-East Coast (FCE) train line to reach Manakara.

What to see and do nearby

• Fianarantsoa's old upper town: cobbled streets, 19th-century churches, viewpoints over rice paddies
• The Betsileo region: local markets, wild silk weaving workshops, highland vineyards
• Ranomafana National Park: rainforest, lemurs and thermal springs (about 1.5 hours' drive away)
• Ambalavao and Anja Reserve: antemoro paper and ring-tailed lemurs in a spectacular granite landscape
• The FCE railway line to Manakara, crossing eastern forests

Incorporate La Rizière into your trip

La Rizière makes a fitting stop on the highland route, between Fianarantsoa and southern Madagascar. To build a complete itinerary including national parks, the west coast or the far south, consult our Madagascar travel guide. Other addresses like Hôtel Kanto, Ankasy Lodge or Belle Vue Ifaty can complement your itinerary.