Rising from the banks of the river Bani, the majestic Chateau de Sable — French for 'sandcastle' — is the first sight to visitors entering Djenné. The sandcastle hosts a guesthouse, offering a variety of accommodations, as well as a cultural center.

The beautiful mud brick building is one of the best examples of the world renowned Malian mud architecture. The exterior is constructed of banco or adobe (mud mixed with rice bran) and the interior is made of sand. It is a genuine castle, complete with fortifications, a tower, a secret passage, fountains and gardens. Just like those built by children during a summer's day on the beach. But this sandcastle is situated on an ancient site, surrounded by animists' magical rituals.

The entiry old town of Djenné is protected by Unesco as World Heritage Site.