Mahe
Sir Selwyn Selwyn Clarke Market
A visit to Mahé’s busy and colorful 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 furth
er complement the lively atmosphere that is especially vibrant on Saturday mornings.
Tea Factory
Established in 1962, this unit is responsible for growing and manufacturing tea in the Seychelles. The Tea Factory enjoys a splendid panoramic view of the western slopes of Mahé and is undoubtedly one of the finest viewing points on the island.
Victoria Clocktower
The Victoria Clocktower or Lorloz as it is better known in Creole, is the m
ost prominent feature of Seychelles’ small capital, and has acted as a focal point for nearly 100 years. While all around massive transformation has taken place in the town centre, with modern buildings of concrete and glass springing up, the Clocktower has remained virtually unchanged.
Seychelles National botanical Garden
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 colored orchids including Seychelles’ own native orchids.
La Marine
La Marine invites you to discover its workshop where you will find exquisite model boats to grace your home or office, together with a collection of marine artifacts.
Le Jardin Du Roi
Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden is in keeping with the original French tradition of the 18th century spice trade. From its location atop hills and across valleys, the garden boasts rows of vanilla vines, citronelle, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper and other spices, as well as medicinal and endemic plants
Michael Adams Studio
Michael Adams is one of Seychelles' most famous painters whose work enjoys considerable popularity both at home and abroad. His style is hieroglyphic realism focusing on people in landscape and using eclectic sigils in the details to stir the subconscious memory of Eden. His Art Gallery is situated at his residence at Anse aux Poules Bleues and is filled with colorful silk-screens, watercolor paintings, postcards, line blocks and calendars.
Morne Seychellois National Park
The Morne Seychellois Park is the largest in Seychelles and was created in 197
9. 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.
National History Museum
The National Museum of History was established in 1964. The museum is charged with the acquisition, preservation and exhibition of historical artifacts for the public benefit.
Exhibits illustrating the history of Seychelles include suc
h items as the oldest map drawn in 1517, the Stone of Possession, the world’s smallest statuette of Queen Victoria, and objects of ethnographical interest that exemplify the traditions and modes of life in times gone past.
Seychelles National archives
The National Archives of Seychelles is charged with preserving the wealth of Seychelles’ history and, specifically, is concerned with the storing and showcasing of valuable government records. The collection of Archive
s goes back as far as the early 1770’s when man first came to Seychelles. A vast collection of photographs of times gone by are also housed here.
Kreol Institute
The Kreole Institute, established to promote Creole culture and tradition, was designed by a German architect, Leit, and constructed in 1920 by France Jumeau, a plantation owner at that time. Its former name was Maison S
t. Joseph. A large colonial house built in the French style; it reflects the opulence of the grand property owners of that era. Activities that take place at the Kreole Institute include formal, traditional balls, traditional French song recitals, cultural exhibitions, language and literature workshops. It also houses a documentation centre.
Zonm Lib Monument
The "Zonm Lib" Liberation Monument represents a major political landmark in the history of Seychelles. To all Seychellois people who revolted against colonialist oppression and injustice on the 5th June 1977, it is a powerful symbol of La Liberté. Standing behind the People’s Stadium and facing the 5th June Avenue, the "Zonm Lib" is a metal statue in the form of a robust masculine figure with both arms raised high, its clenched fists freed from chains, demonstrating triumphant defiance and victory for a truly independent nation.
Port Launay / Baie Ternay 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.
Kenwyn House
An elegant example of French colonial architecture, Kenwyn House offers visitors a chance to explore this historic national monument while browsing a world-class selection of crafted South African diamonds and other precious gems at duty-free prices, as well as an array of gifts and souvenirs.
Hindu Temple
The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is the only Hindu te
mple in the Seychelles. Built in 1992, the temple was named after Lord Vinayagar, the Hindu god of safety and prosperity.
Domaine de Val des Près craft village
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.
Bicentennial monument
This is the Bicentennial monument, referred to in Creole as the Moniman trwa lezel (three–winged monument). It was erected in 1978 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the town of Victoria, which was founded as L’Établissement du Roi in 1778 by the Frenchman Charles Routier de Romainville. The monument was created by the late Italian artist Lorenzo Appiani, who lived in Seychelles.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
This Marine National Park has one of the largest areas of sea grass of the granitic islands where green and hawksbill turtles are often found. Bottlenose Dolphins also frequent the park. There are Creole restaurants on the islands of Moyenne and Cerf with a number of excellent gourmet restaurants on Ste. Anne itself.
La Digue
Veuve Reserve
The Veuve Information Centre is the only environment office on La Digue. The office manages the Veuve Reserve and the environment of La Digue and has available most information on the unique flora and fauna of La Digue especially of the Paradise Flycatcher or "Veuve”. They undertake regular monitoring of Paradise Flycatcher, rare Swiflets, Sea Turtles and once a year common Land Birds.
L`union Estate
Take a step back in time and visit L'Union Estate – see a traditional copra mill and kiln (kalorifer), watch the antics of the estate’s population of giant land tortoises or stroll around the majestic Plantation House framed by giant granite boulders in landscaped gardens, or go horse back riding.
Green gecko Gallery
The Green Gecko Gallery displays the works of Seychellois artist, Georges Camille. He specializes in hand printed silk, colorful and exotic paintings. His paintings are exhibited extensively in Seychelles since 1983 and also in London, Paris, Martinique, Mauritius and Reunion.
Plantation House La Digue
This attraction forms part of L’Union Estate and is yet another architectural gem among the few plantation houses left in Seychelles. Said to be one of the oldest, the Plantation House is the focal point of L’Union Estate, which originally belonged to the wealthy Hossen family, who came to Seychelles from Mauritius in the 19th century. It is built in French colonial style; the house was used several years ago for the shooting of the film Goodbye Emmanuelle and is one of the cherished historical souvenirs of Seychelles’ Creole heritage.
Praslin
Vallee De Mai
Seychelles’ second UNESCO World Heritage Site is the legendary Vallée de Mai, administered by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. So remarkable that it was once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, this hauntingly beautiful primeval forest is home to some 6000 Coco-de-mer trees, considered to be among the botanical wonders of the world. The Vallée boasts six endemic palm species as well as many other indigenous trees and is also the last habitat of the endangered Black Parrot.
Black Pear Seychelles Ltd
Selling a selection of beautiful high-class jewellery and other exotic creations made from locally cultivated pearls from the Seychelles ‘Black Lip Oyster’. You can choose from the array of matching rings, earrings, pendants or strands designed and hand crafted by Linneys the internationally awarded West Australian jewelers. Set in yellow or white 18-carat gold and with argyle diamonds, many of which are of a "One Off” design.
Praslin Museum
Located on Cote D’or roughly 50 meters from the Acajou Hotel. The museum, which showcases the traditions of Seychelles as well as its culture in general, also features a garden of endemic and medicinal plants of Seychelles where visitors can view fruit bats and also enjoy a glass of Citronelle tea or local fruit juice. Visitors are encouraged to participate in coconut dehusking, grilling breadfruit and other traditional activities which give a taste of the traditions of yesteryear.
Other Islands
Ile Cocos Marine National Park
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.
Silhouette National Park
Silhouette Island is known for its dramatic mountain peaks, Mont Dauban (740m), Mont-Pot-a-Eau (621m), Gratte Fesse (515m) Mont Corgat (502m), Mont Cocos Marrons (500m) and for being one of the richest biodiversity hot-spots in the western Indian Ocean. It is home to many endemic and threatened plant and animal species and has large areas of primeval forest, mist forests as well as breathtaking viewpoints. It is also home to last known Seychelles sheath-tailed bats.
Cousine Island Nature Reserve
Cousin is an island totally reserved for conservation and the only granitic island in Seychelles totally rehabilitated with natural vegetation. It is one of the best protected sites for nesting Hawksbill turtles in the world and boasts the highest density of lizards per hectare in the world.
Cousin is visited by 300,000 nesting seabirds each year and is home to five endemic land birds. It also has the best protected and most diverse fish population of any reserve in the granitic islands.
Curieuse Marine National Park
Most visitors disembark at Baie Laraie to the sight of multitudes of giant hump head parrotfish and giant tortoises lazing near the rangers’ headquarters. The trail from Baie Laraie to Anse José passes through thick mangrove forest and is one of the most breathtaking sites on the island. On the way can be found the ruins of the leper colony, now well blended into the landscape.
Aride Island Nature Reserve
Aride is home to one million breeding seabirds of ten species, endemic birds such as Magpie Robins, Fodies, Brush Warblers and Blue Pigeon, Endemic Plants like wrights Gardenia and Turtle beaches and rich marine life. No vessels other than those of the reserve are allowed to land on Aride Island.
Silhouette Marine National Park
At a height of 740m, Silhouette Island has managed to escape the ravages of deforestation, which has sadly affected some islands, designated as a Marine Park on 26th October 1987, it is the only "paper park” left in Seychelles and efforts are being sought to establish funds to effectively protect and manage the area.