Trezor Labuze
Guided Tour of the Famous Treasure site of the 18th Century French Pirate Olivier Le Vasseur know as la Buse.Visitors will be invited to view a portion of the site with some of the cut stones that have been removed from it,as well as several artefacts found in the Treasure Hunt. These cut stones and artefacts as well as demarcations have been left behind as clues by the pirate to lead the treasure hunter towards the carvern in which lies the Fabulous hoard which consists of the Fiery cros of Goa,religious artefacts,uncut diamonds and gold coins. The Tour is carried out by an authorized tour guide and lasts for 30-45 mins and includes a lecture on the History of the site and Pirate.
The Diamond Works Institute
The Diamond Works celebrates the history of cultures connected, and discovery of precious collections. The Diamond Works Institute showcases the world’s premium diamonds and tanzanite, handcrafted gold and platinum jewellery, and internationally renowned luxury watch brands such as Breitling, Hublot, Longines and Omega. The journey of vessels filles with rare merchandise; exotic spice, gold, treasure, diamonds, gems, marked a path, connecting country to country and ensuring the Seychelles was not simply an island standing on its own, but a point that connected two parts of the world. Enroute, in discovering all the Seychelles has to offer, uncover the richness of its diversity and link to finest merchandise – experience a Sparkling Tour.
La Misere Exotics Garden Center
The garden lies on a sloped piece of land that has been lovingly landscaped to include numerous pathways, staircases and winding trails, all well-signposted, which lead you around the property. With almost 300 plant varieties and a total of over 50 000 flowers and other botanicals growing on three acres of land, a visit to the gardens is one that shouldn’t be missed. If it weren’t for the bright and eye-catching billboard proudly announcing “La Misere Exotics Garden Centre” on the La Misere pass, you would never expect to find a lush tropical garden hiding in the middle of Kennedy Road. Around 15 minutes from Mahe , the garden, which is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, is like a secret botanical sanctuary. Owned and run by husband and wife team.
Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market
A visit to Mahé’s busy and colourful market is the way to get a feel for the Seychellois and their way of life. Built in 1840 and renovated in 1999, it remains the bustling heart of the capital and definitely the best place to buy fresh fruits, fish, vegetables and spices. An attractive array of boutiques and shops selling a variety of souvenirs, clothing and local works of art further complement the lively atmosphere that is especially vibrant on Saturday mornings.
Seychelles Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum hosts exhibitions that not only illustrate the flora, fauna and geological history of Seychelles, but serve to enlighten visitors about major environmental concerns with the aim of promoting positive attitudes and actions in conserving our natural heritage. Seven prominent aspects of Seychelles’ natural heritage are showcased through exhibits and dioramas, and the museum’s documentation/resource center contains a wealth of research material in various formats.
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Located in Mont Fleuri, on the outskirts of Victoria, the Botanical Garden is one of Seychelles’ oldest National Monuments, dating back more than a century. It houses a wide collection of mature, exotic and endemic plants within five acres of landscaped and beautifully maintained tropical gardens. Apart from the palms, the garden is home to a wide variety of spice and fruit trees most of which can only be seen in this garden. An added attraction is the population of giant tortoises from Aldabra, some of which are over 150 years old. Fruit bat colonies can be found feeding or roosting in the taller trees overhead and the latest feature is an orchid house which holds a collection of brightly coloured orchids including Seychelles’ own native orchids.
Port Launay / Baie Ternay Marine National Park
Port Launay Marine National Park is famous for its whale shark sightings. In their season, these huge gentle giants of the sea can be seen swimming lazily around feeding on the rich plankton that accumulates in the park. The reefs on both sides of the bay provide a wonderful opportunity to use your mask and snorkel, while the beautiful sandy beach is quiet and inviting to both sun worshipers wanting to work on their tan or those who simply want to relax and read a book under the large shady Takamaka trees. This park can be reached by land or sea providing great comfort after a morning of trawling in blue waters or hiking off the nearby Greater Morne Seychellois National Park.
Morne Seychellois National Park
The Morne Seychellois Park is the largest in Seychelles and was created in 1979. It covers a total surface area of 3,045ha, more than 20% of the area of Mahé. It is 10km in length and between 2km and 4km wide and equipped with an extensively trail network covering more than 15km. A total of 12 different trails can be explored either by half or full day excursions. The Praslin National Park is 338ha and was also designated in 1979
Nigel Henri Acrylic Paintings
Local artist Nigel Henri produces original acrylic paintings on canvas which depict cultural life in Seychelles as well as underwater scenes. The artist’s studio will gladly courier purchased works all over the world via DHL. Nigel’s works are displayed at his studio in Beau Vallon, as well as at Kenwyn House, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Hotel & Spa, Eden Art Gallery – Eden Island, Takamaka Bay Art Gallery – La Plaine St André and Gallerie Passerose – Praslin.
La Plaine St. Andre
La Plaine. St. Andre is not just a great restaurant where you can discover our chef’s contemporary take on the most popular traditional creole classics.
The traditional plantation house, originally built in 1792, has been lovingly restored and now offers the perfect setting to relax, unwind and indulge yourself with our tantalising menu and cocktail list. As the new home of Takamaka Bay Rum, no visit to La Plaine St. André would be complete without visiting the Trois Freres Distillery followed by a rum-tasting. Follow the process from cane crushing to fermentation, distillation and finally sample our award-winning range. Take a tour of our grounds during which you will learn about plantation life in the 1790s, the beginnings of the creole mix which is visible today.
Visit our medicinal and herb garden, play a game of petanque or simply sit undisturbed in the shade of the Bilenbi tree avenue.
La Domus
La Domus, the imposing residence of the Roman Catholic priesthood in Victoria, was an outstanding architectural achievement of its time. Built in 1934 to house the Swiss missionaries ministering to the Diocese of Port Victoria, the magnificent two-storey building constructed from granite rocks even contains an aqueduct that supplies it with water from a nearby artesian well. In the 1960’s it housed a dozen Capuchin missionaries. Today La Domus is occupied by only three priests with many of its rooms used as administrative offices. It stands in a quiet corner of Victoria, a poignant reminder of those days when there was no shortage of priests to disseminate the word of God among the islands.
Kreolfleurage Parfums
Kreolfleurage Parfums, the only perfume manufacturer in the Indian Ocean, is run by Dagmar Ehlert, who founded the laboratory in 1988. The unique range of products includes perfumes produced on a base of essential oils from the region as well as from all over the world. Located near the beach at North East Point, her small laboratory has become a popular tourist attraction on the island of Mahé.
Kot Man-Ya Exotic Flower Garden
Open to the public on 31st August 2008 after eight years in the making from scratch, Kot Man-Ya is part of the Anse Royale Ecotourism pilot initiative, administered under The Ecotourism Society of Seychelles (TESS), as called for by the SETS 21 – The Seychelles Ecotourism Blueprint for the 21st Century. It is among the first steps in really bringing tourism activities to the community and offers a unique and different experience of Seychelles for discerning nature lovers and local flower enthusiasts alike. With their ravishing elegance, sparkling colours, bold geometric lines and symmetrical perfection, the flower heads of exotic tropicals cater for the ultimate in floral brilliance. “Tropicals” is presently the “in” word all across the globe. It includes Heliconia, Gingers, Anthuriums and miscellaneous such as Mussa Bananas, Costus, Calatheas and fanciful jungle foliage; e.g. Caladiums and Ti leaves. Originating from the South Central American Rain Forest, South East Asia and the South Pacific Islands, today tropicals are setting the scene for celebrations, as a way to express love, to say thank you or I am sorry. But above all they are simply there to lift the spirit in their natural state where whether young and old, each will find his or her own special delight at Kot Man-Ya in peace and tranquillity, of in a local community setting. In addition to over 200 varieties of tropicals and orchids, Kot Man-Ya is also the sweet home of giant tortoises, guinea pigs, rabbits, green geckos, skinks and frogs. Other attractions include Birds such a the Seychelles Sun Bird, Barred Ground Doves, Madagascar Fody and other migratory species. Fruit trees and medicinal plants such as papaya, bread fruit, passion fruit, star fruit, yams, mangoes, bananas, bilimbi, curry leaves, lemon grass are also in abundance.
Kenwyn House
Built in 1855, Kenwyn House, an elegant example of French colonial architecture, is one of Seychelles’ most visited monuments and a must-see for visitors exploring the Seychelles capital, Victoria. Home of JOUEL- the premier luxury retail company in Seychelles- Kenwyn House offers visitors a chance to explore an historical site while browsing through a world-class jewelry selection comprising of six JOUEL collections. The collections: Allure, Splash, Mystique, White fire, Tanzanite and Tropical, are inspired by the Seychelles Islands, made from diamonds, pearls, tanzanite, and other precious gemstones set in gold, silver and platinum. The top floor of Kenwyn House showcases a range of locally made KREOLOR jewelry and craft items made from shells, timber, seeds and 18k gold. The JOUEL branded jewelry can also be viewed at the Mahé International Airport, Eden Island, Ephelia Resort and Spa and Praslin Domestic Airport, all at duty free prices.
Ile Cocos Marine National Park
This is the Marine National Park that catches peoples’ attention and makes them long for a holiday in Seychelles. It features on many of the promotional brochures. Ile Cocos Marine National Park is set around 3 small islets in shallow turquoise sea fringed by large expanses of coral reefs that provide the most breathtaking snorkeling experience. Visits to the island can be organized with ground operators and taxi boats on Praslin and La Digue.
Hindu Temple – Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar
The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is the only Hindu temple in the Seychelles. Built in 1992, the temple was named after Lord Vinayagar, the Hindu god of safety and prosperity.
Grann Kaz
A traditional homestead that is in perfect condition, the Domaine de Val des Près recalls the simplicity and charm of Creole life as it was at the beginning of the 20th Century. Together with the adjoining buildings the homestead harmoniously displays an ensemble of original architectural features. The ‘Gran Kaz’ consists of a large sitting room, a dining room, three bedrooms and a surrounding verandah. This splendid house is sparsely furnished with a few period pieces. The adjoining buildings constitute a craft village where a group of 12 workshops provide traditional Seychelles crafts and a restaurant that offers the spicy delights of our Creole cuisine. This place offers visitors and residents a nostalgic glimpse of Creole life of yesteryears. Text credit: National Heritage.
Domaine de Val des Près (Craft Village)
Domaine de Val des Près (Craft Village) forms part of the Patrimwann. Experience traditional Creole culture showcased at Domaine de Val des Près. Or, make your own history by getting married, Creole-style on this beautiful property. Domaine de Val des Près consists of five attractions highlighting Creole architecture, arts and craft, and gastronomy: the ‘Gran Kaz’ Plantation House built around 1870; ‘La Kaz Rosa’ a typical 20th century working class home, 12 craft workshops that host local crafts; and finally; the ‘Maison de Coco, a house built of coconut products in which you will find gifts made from all things coconut.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
This imposing Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Catholic Diocese in Seychelles. Constructed on the site where Father Leon of Avanchers built the first vault in March 1851 that was devoted to the Virgin of the immaculate conception, the Cathedral is one of the first churches in Seychelles. The first and only Seychellois Bishop, Felix Paul, who passed away on the 21st November 2001, is buried inside the cathedral in a tomb built in the flooring. The tomb is not visible but its location is marked by a special plaque. The Cathedral has undergone numerous renovations over the years. In 1993-94 it was completely renovated, except for the external walls. The last renovation was completed In 1995 when Seychellois sculptor, Egbert Marday fashioned the tabernacle and the carved doors.
Colbert Nourrice Studio – Gallery
Colbert Nourrice is one of the most promising and aspiring young artists currently on the contemporary art scene in Seychelles. A recipient of the third Award in the 5th Biennale of Contemporary Art in 1996, he has received much admiration and media attention for his symbolic paintings based on the cycle of human lives in daily living. Colbert has developed a narrative style of painting using signs, symbols and motifs framed to form a striking tapestry of linear images reminiscent of Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Bel Air Cemetery
The Bel Air Cemetery, undoubtedly the oldest historic site in Seychelles, was the first official burial ground to be opened on Mahé soon after the establishment of the French settlement in the late 18th century. Important historical milestones, the cemetery’s tombs, vaults and shrines contain the remains of some of the islands’ most famous personalities such as corsair Jean-Francois Hodoul and the 9ft giant Charles Dorothée Savy, poisoned at the age of 14 by neighbours fearful of his height. Another character whose remains lie within the cemetery is the mysterious Pierre-Louis Poiret, claimed by some to be the son of Louis XVI who fled the French Revolution and took refuge in Seychelles. It is also a final resting place of a son-in-law of Quéau de Quinssy, a magistrate, an acting civil commissioner and a district magistrate who lie among other recently rediscovered graves once covered by the great landslide of 1862.
Andrew Gee Artist & Designer
Andrew Gee is a successful watercolour artist. Visitors are welcome to his studio to view his original watercolour paintings, silk paintings, textiles and handmade cards. Andrew trained at St. Martin’s School of Art in London then ran his own Fashion Company for many years. In 1993 he came to Seychelles as a fashion and textile instructor at the School of Art & Design. He has a keen interest in culture and heritage and uses his watercolour paintings to record a personal view of the beautiful and changing face of Seychelles.
Sunset Beach
At Glacis, on the north-western coast of Mahé, this small beach is close to the Sunset Beach Hotel and can be reached by taking a path from the main road or by walking down a flight of steps from the hotel car park.
Edged with palms and trees, this beautiful beach is superb for swimming and snorkelling. Snorkelling is particularly good around the rocks below the hotel, and sightings of turtles here are common. The sea does have a sudden drop in depth close to the shore; so small children do need close adult supervision. As the name suggests, the sunsets here are breathtaking!
Directions:
Sunset beach is approximately 18km from the airport or a 15-minute drive from Victoria. From the clock tower in Victoria, drive towards the traffic light and turn left at the light onto Revolution Avenue. Continue on the main road up the hill and down the other side until you reach the Beau Vallon police station. Turn right at the police station junction, going in the direction of Glacis and drive straight ahead for about 3.5km passing Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa on your left. Look for the Sunset Beach hotel on your left where you’ll find the beach.
Carana Beach
The small but secluded Carana beach in north eastern Mahé offers a sandy beach fringed by sculptured granite boulders . This beautiful beach is a popular spot for sunbathing. There is no reef, so seasonally the waves can be larger than some other beaches around the island, making it popular for boogie boarding and swimming with caution.
Directions:
From the Bicentennial Monument (3 birds’ wings) in Victoria, drive north on 5th June Avenue and continue on the coastal road for approximately 10 minutes passing Kreolfleurage and the Rehabilitation Centre; then climbing a small incline, you’ll come to a driveway leading to the site where the Carana Beach Hotel used to be.
Beau Vallon
This is Mahé’s most popular resort beach with both visitors and locals alike. This sweeping bay of white sand and clear waters on the north-western coast of Mahé offers a very safe swimming area. With hotels stretched out along its sand, together with water sport and diving centres, this is the beach for those wishing to do something a little more energetic than soaking up the sun. Beau Vallon is also very safe for children, as there are no strong currents, no rocks or corals underfoot and a lifeguard service is supplied. During the south-eastern trade winds, the sea is extremely calm and the beach is at its absolute best.
Directions:
Approximately 5km from Victoria. From the clock tower in Victoria, drive towards the traffic light and turn left onto Revolution Avenue. Continue on the main road up the hill and down the other side until you reach the Beau Vallon police station. Turn right at the police station junction and left at the next junction onto Beau Vallon Beach Road and continue for approximately 400 metres to reach the beachfront.
Anse Intendance
The famous Intendance beach in southern Mahé offers half a mile of powder white sand and huge breakers. There is no reef so the waves are much larger than most of the other beaches around the island, making it more suitable for surfing rather than swimming at most times. During the south-east trade winds the waves can reach fearsome heights, but in the north-west trade wind season the sea is calmer. This beautiful beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing.
Directions:
Located approximately 15km from the airport. From the airport, turn left and travel south on the main road passing Anse Royale petrol station. Continue on this road until you reach the Quatre Bornes police station on your right. From here take the left turn onto Intendance Road and drive for about 1km until you reach another junction. Take the sign-posted road on your right passing Banyan Tree Resort also on your right and you will find the beach at the end of the road.
Anse à la Mouche
Situated on the south-western coast of Mahé, Anse à la Mouche is a large, sparkling calm bay with shallow clear waters. Swimming here is very safe and suitable for children as the water remains shallow even at high tide, with no strong currents. The Islander Restaurant is situated just across the road from the beach.
Directions:
Located in Anse à la Mouche. From the international airport, turn left and travel south on the main road until you get to the Anse Royale petrol station. Continue until you see the green road signs for Les Canelles. Turn right into Les Canelles road continuing over the hill and down the other side to the junction. Turn left at the junction and the beachfront is before you. Total travelling time is approximately 25 minutes.
Port Launay
This breathtaking beach, which is also a Marine National Park, is on the north-western coast of Mahé and can be reached by taking the road past Port Glaud. Swimming and especially snorkelling here is excellent, with a wide variety of colourful fish that can be seen in and around the edges of the impressive bay. The beach itself is large and wide with white sand and plenty of shady trees. It is popular with picnickers at weekends but during the week tends to be much quieter. There are often beautiful shells and corals to be found along the shoreline, but please remember this is National Park property and it is strictly prohibited to take coral and shells away.
Directions:
From the clock tower in Victoria, drive to the traffic light and turn left onto Revolution Avenue. Drive past the main police station on your left, and then take the first road on your left, Bel Air Road. Follow Bel Air Road up the hill and down to the other side, passing the Everglow store, the Mission Lodge viewing point and the Tea Factory. Continue on this road down to the coast reaching the junction at Port Glaud, turn right passing Eden’s Holiday Resort and, further on, the church on the right. Keep going along this road leading through the mangroves till you come to the end of the 2-lane road. Look for the Marine Park signpost on the left indicating Port Launay. Total travelling time is approximately 1 hour.
Petit Anse (or Anse la Liberte, on Mahé)
This breathtaking bay is close to Anse Soleil. Smaller than its more popular neighbour it is difficult to access but more than worth the journey as it offers tranquil swimming and sunbathing against a spectacular backdrop of granite boulders and verdant forest. The powder-soft sand and turquoise waters of this bay will quite simply take your breath away.
Directions:
Located in south-west Mahé. From the airport, turn left and travel south on the main road passing Anse Royale petrol station. Continue on this road until you reach Lazare Picault Hotel on your right, and further on, Baie Lazare police station. Take the first left onto Anse Soleil Road. Continue approximately 800 metres along this road and look for a low signpost to Anse Soleil Café. Turn right onto this track and continue for 50 metres until you find a siding on your left. Park your car here and continue along the footpath for approximately 20 minutes downhill towards the beach. Total travelling time is approximately 1 hour.