Taolagnaro, or Taolanaro, is in the far south of Madagascar, 685 km from Antananarivo. In the past the area around the town has been the location of much rivalry between the French, Portuguese and Dutch colonizers. In 1643, the French East India Company built a fort to protect the town, making it the first French settlement in Madagascar. The fort still exists and is now used by the Malagasy army. It is about 15 km from town and you can get there by taxi and canoe. Taolagnaro is often referred to as Fort-Dauphin.

The area has beautiful flora and you can see lemurs, especially in the Réserve de Barenty at St. Luce Bay. Tours to the reserve can be booked in town. It is best to stay a night in the park, as most animals are more active then, so there is a greater chance to see them. At Luce Bay are no sharks so you can swim safely. It is best to visit Taolagnaro during the dry season, as roads become un-navigable when it rains.

There are several hotels and restaurants in town.