Are you planning to go on a holiday anytime soon? For sure, you will be overwhelmed with the multiplicity of the destinations you can visit, each with a promise of an experience you will never forget. Among others, however, one of the best would be Seychelles, which...
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Domaine de Val des Prés
The Domaine de Val des Prés, the craft village, which is located at St Roch Au Cap, 16 km from Victoria. It shows a traditional Creole Village house as a means of promoting the Seychellois Cultural Heritage. The house is centred around the Maison de Planteur, or the house of a plantation owner. The house in Domaine de Val des Près estate Plantation was built around 1870. The gigantic timber house which once belonged to the Bailey family was sold to the government in 1972 for R1,133,348.33.
The plantation house stands on what was once known as the St Roch Estate where coconuts and cinnamon were grown. A cinnamon distillery made essential oil for the export market. It epitomized the typical plantation house that was once common in the tropical islands of the French and British colonies.
The house depicts the various activities that may be found in a traditional estate owners house. Its outside peripherals such as traditional kitchen, servant’s quarter and other amenities pertinent to the colonial era of the 18th – 19th century, showcases traditional Seychellois life in the early days of the history of Seychelles.
Over 10% of visitors to Seychelles visit this estate.
In 1926, Dr John Thomas Bradley (1872-1942) who was then chief medical officer of health in Seychelles gave the house to his daughter Dolly who in 1920 had married Douglas Bailey (1899-1974), who was employed by the Eastern Telegraph Company. He was a wealthy Anglican and fervent supporter of the Anglican Church in Seychelles. He was also a nominated member of the Legislative Council for 28 years. In the 1950s, Douglas Bailey bought the other plantation house, now known as the Creole Institute at Saint Joseph Estate at Au Cap.
This is the last authentic traditional creole homestead in Seychelles. It stands on what was once known as the St Roch Estate. Comprising many acres of land where coconuts and cinnamon were grown. A cinnamon distillery made essential oil for the export market.
Domaine de Val des Prés modernisation
The Domaine de Val des Près was inaugurated in October 1988 by former President James Michel who was then Minister. The opening coincided with the 3rd Creole Festival which depicts the Creole people’s way of life, culture, music and gastronomy.
The government of the United States of America agreed to finance the project to create a craft village as a tourist educational and cultural centre. The construction work started in 1985, and it took 4 years to complete. The project included 12 new craft kiosks to host the most important local craft and a restaurant that serves traditional dishes. The new buildings were designed in a style that matches well with the architecture of the Plantation House.
Pottery, paintings, model boats, and clothing are some of the exhibits in the craft kiosks. The jewel of the village is the Grann Kaz, a beauty showcasing craftsmanship and carpentry with its wooden carved balustrades – a reminiscence of the grand blanc era. In the main house, visitors can see traditional furniture including a Pollack gramophone and an old John Brimsmeade piano.
The Plantation house was renovated while retaining all the traditional aspects of the colonial plantation houses such as the pitched roof, the dormer windows and garrets, the wide verandah that encompasses the entire quadrilateral structure of the building, and of course the obligatory masonry plinths on which it rests.
Domaine de Val des Près traditional kitchen
A covered walkway at the back of the house leads to the traditional kitchen. In the kitchen there are the wood stove, the kokosye (the half of coco de mer nut for washing rice before cooking), the lavann (a flat basket of woven pandanus for winnowing the rice), the kapatia (a basket of woven coconut fronds in which fruits and vegetables were kept), and marmit (cooking pot made of cast iron). Anything and everything was cooked in the marmit.
Domaine de Val des Prés Servant’s dwelling house
There is a replica of the servant’s dwelling house, which was named lakaz Rosa “Rosa’s house”, built of timber on squat stone pillars. The wooden walls are entirely covered with pages of newspapers and magazines. The dwelling has three compartments: The small living room with the photograph of the Royal family of Windsor, the bedroom and the kitchen.
Domaine de Val des Prés antiques
Some of the antiques that once furnished the sitting room have been preserved; a couple of chairs of artisanal wickerwork, a console table with cabriole legs, an old bureau and an escritoire.
Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral or Cathedral of Victoria, is a religious building of the Catholic Church located in the town of Victoria, on the island of Mahé, capital of Seychelles. It is near the Clock Tower and the Anglican Cathedral. The church was built in 1874 in French colonial style. It was constructed on the site of the first church built in 1851 by Father Leon of Avengers. It serves as the mother church of the Catholic Diocese of Seychelles and also the seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Port Victoria which was established in 1892 by Pope Leo XIII.
Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Immaculate Conception
The Cathedral is one of the most amazing architectures, with intricate carvings and delicate tapestries, on the Mahe island. It is massive, relaxing and very peaceful. You can spend quality time there in mass, prayers and meditations. Though it is near the main road, the noise will not affect your concentration. The cathedral also holds the tomb of the first Seychellois Bishop, Felix Paul, who passed away on 21st November 2001. The tomb is not visible but its location is marked by a special plaque. In 1993-94 the cathedral was completely renovated, except for the external walls. Massive columns, arches and beautiful stained-glass windows have survived to this day, even though the cathedral was regularly reconstructed, and updated. The interior was completely redesigned – new benches were added, the altar was slightly changed, the vaults were strengthened, the stained-glass windows were restored since some of them were cracked. The last renovation was completed in 1995 when Seychellois sculptor, Egbert Marday fashioned the tabernacle and the carved doors.
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception can accommodate 700 people, making it ideal for both locals and visitors. More than half the population of Seychelles are Catholics.
Architecture of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The white building with its stone staircase at the main entrance is the single most outstanding feature of the cathedral. There are white stone pillars on either side of the door with stained glass windows. At the back, is the bell tower which was built in 1898. As you step inside the cathedral, you have to climb four stone steps to access the rows of pews which lead to the altar. The pews are made of wood, and there are coloured stone flags all along the aisle. The altar is always beautifully decorated with flowers adding on to the church’s peaceful ambience.
La Domus of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
La Domus is a magnificent two-story house adjoining the Cathedral, occupied by three priests. Many of the other rooms are used as administrative offices. The house is distinguished by its magnificent granite exterior. The house constructed from granite rocks even contains an aqueduct that supplies it with water from a nearby artesian well.
How to get there?
It is a five minutes walk from Victoria bus station. From the bus station, turn right onto Palm Street heading west and continue straight onto Olivier Mardan Street. The Cathedral is clearly visible on the right side of the street.
Hundreds of Catholics come to the service every Sunday. The cathedral is also open to tourists. Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is located in Victoria, Seychelles with the gps coordinates of 1° 00′ 0.0″ N and 1° 00′ 0.0″ E.
Vandalism at Catholic cathedral
The cathedral was vandalised on 10 June 2022 by persons unknown yet. All the statues and prayer stations of the cross in the cathedral have been destroyed and a fire was set to benches and crucifixes. Priceless artifacts that have been in the church for many years were broken.
Father David Alcindor of the Roman Catholic Diocese told that once the debris is cleaned a purification and reparation ritual would be held and after that the normal services will be resumed.
The President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, who strongly condemned and denounced the acts of vandalism, offered a reward of SCR 100,000 ($7,600) for anyone who can provide information to help the arrest and punishment of the culprits.
The police investigating the incident said that there were no security cameras in the church but they were checking the cameras from other nearby buildings.
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Today, there are about 2500 botanical gardens in the world. These gardens play a central role in the ex situ conservation and exploration of global plant biodiversity. People living in densely populated areas go to botanical gardens to get some fresh air and relax in a soothing atmosphere.
The Victoria Botanical Gardens (also called Mont Fleuri Botanical Gardens Seychelles) was established in 1901 by Mr. Paul Evenor Rivalz Dupont (Director of Agricultural Services and Naturalist of Seychelles). Today the Ministry of Environment is responsible for the Botanical Gardens and has its headquarters in it.
Objectives of the National Botanical Gardens
The Victoria Botanical Gardens was set up as an experimental garden for crop species during colonial times. However, the functions changed over time and today the garden is used as a park where visitors could enjoy a century of its existence. The Biodiversity Centre on the other hand has been set up with the aim to conserve and propagate the local flora. Visitors will have the opportunity to discover the myriad of plants present in the different ecosystems of the Seychelles.
The main objective of the gardens is to contribute towards the national efforts in environmental education, plant conservation, landscape management, passive recreation and ecotourism.
Location of the National Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens can be reached on foot or by car from downtown Victoria; the walk will take roughly 30 minutes. You can visit the botanical gardens every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission costs 100 SCR (just more than $8 USD). For more information, check out the Seychelles Tourism Board’s website.
Stretching out along 5 acres of Mont Fleuri, the botanical gardens offer visitors a look at Seychellois wildlife. Cannonball Tree is another extremely treasured and unique tree in the gardens. This tree has some of the most beautiful flowers, it gives out a pungent odour and when the fruits drop to the ground they make a loud noise which is similar to that of a cannonball. Durian, Vanilla, Clove, Nutmeg, Guava, Rambutan, Lychee, Starfruit and many other plants are found here. Flowers that are commonly found in the Botanical Gardens are Heliconias, Rose, Frangipani, Ylang- Ylang and Hibiscus.
National Botanical Gardens Flora and fauna
Coco de mer alley greets you as you enter the gardens. Coco de mer palm produced the world’s biggest nut. In 1956 Duke of Edinburgh planted the most fruitful Coco de mer palm in the Botanical Gardens.
Giant Aldabra Tortoise are found everywhere and other varieties of turtles are part of the Terrapins Pond Enclosure. From fruit-eating blue pigeons to the nectar-sipping Sunbird to Seychelles Bulbul, you will view here. You may also find the Malagasy Turtle Dove, Indian Myna Bird, and more.
The garden also showcases a collection of terrapins locally known as ‘torti soupap’. These dull-coloured turtles are believed to have been introduced from the African continent and Madagascar. These small creatures are known to camouflage themselves in such a way that it will be difficult to distinguish them from other features in the pond, especially the stones.
Among the endemic birds found in the garden are the fruit-eating Blue Pigeon, locally known as the pizon olande, the nectar-sipping Sunbird or kolibri, and the Seychelles Bulbul or merl.
There are more than 150 species of plants and trees in the garden. These include native plants as well as plants collected by the founder of the garden which has historical significance. Over 60% of the Seychelles endemic flowering plants from the granitic island are grown. A further 20% are in trial in the propagation house.
National Botanical Gardens Education Programmes
Visitor services at a botanical garden might include tours, educational displays, art exhibitions, book rooms, open-air theatrical and musical performances, and other entertainment. Botanical gardens also contribute to research programmes in plant taxonomy or some other aspect of botanical science. Special courses are organised for school children. There are educational signs in the garden. Tour guides are available to educate the visitors on all aspects of the garden.
Bel Air Cemetery
The Bel Air Cemetery
The Bel Air Cemetery, undoubtedly the oldest historic site in Seychelles, was the first official burial ground to be opened on Mahe soon after the establishment of the French settlement in the late 18th century. The cemetery is important for the people of France and La Reunion as many of the tombs in the cemetery contain the remains of early settlers from these two nations. There was a great landslide of 1862 in the area which covered parts of the cemetery. The nicest headstones and family mausoleums from the 18th and 19th centuries may be found upon the hill.
There is a free parking lot across the street, but there are also a few spots directly in front of the cemetery. There is also a bus stop just in front of the building.
Some of the remains found in the Bel Air Cemetery
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 9 ft giant Charles Dorothee Savy, poisoned at the age of 14 by neighbours fearful of his height.
Another mysterious person whose remains lie within the cemetery is 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 Queau 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.
La Réunion
La Réunion, is an island in the Indian Ocean that is an overseas department and region of France. It holds the status of a region of France, and is an integral part of the French Republic.
Restoration of Bel Air Cemetery
Today, the rubble of broken tombs, dilapidated vaults, and rusted wrought-iron crosses constitute precious fragments of Seychelles history. The cemetery requires a lot of restoration work to see who has been buried there. La Reunion being a relatively richer country than Seychelles has agreed to provide not only their expertise in the restoration of the tombs, but they will also work to fence in the cemetery to ensure that the place is more secure.
National Monument
Seychelles considers this cemetery as a national monument. Many islanders perform “craz maloya“ (Maloya dance) on 20th of December, in remembrance of their ancestors. Some will also pay tribute to Father Lafosse in the cemetery.
History of Bel Air Cemetery
A young priest named Father Lafosse was sent from Paris to the parish of South Island in 1775. During the Revolution, he took up the cause of the “Sans-culottes” and became a strong supporter of “Friends of equality and freedom.” Landowners hated him. He sheltered in his parish 60 slaves who fought for the abolition of slavery. With the support of the people he was elected mayor of St. Louis in 1790, and then Deputy. For his participation in the great insurrection in the South in March 1798, he was arrested and sentenced to exile in India along with other slaves. But he never went there. Instead he went to France and returned to St. Louis in 1802. He resumed his fight for the abolition of slavery. He was assassinated near the sugar factory of Le Gol, fifteen years later.
Today, the tomb of Father Lafosse has become a place telling the full History of Slavery in Seychelles. Flowers are placed all year round and especially during the “Slavery abolition day” every Dec. 20. The Bel Air cemetery was declared a National Monument in 1985 and officially closed for burial in 1902.
Anse Source D’Argent
Anse Source d’Argent is located in the south-west of La Digue Island. It has dazzling white beaches lapped by shallow emerald waters, backed by some of La Digue’s most beautiful granite boulders and shaded by craning coconut palms.Other interesting things to see in the island are vanilla plantation, giant tortoises as well as the most dreamy coconut groves with hundreds of coconut trees.
Access to Anse Source d’Argent
Access to Anse Source d’Argent is via the Union Estate, which charges 115 Rupees (about US$8) per person each day for access. Despite it being the only beach requiring admission, recent visitors say that Anse Source d’Argent is well worth the trip. While here, you can also take advantage of Union Estate’s facilities, including the restaurant.
Don’t expect a minivan or air-conditioned bus to meet and greet guests at the ferry jetty. La Digue Island Lodge sends an ox cart to transport guests and their luggage from the ferry. Visitors may rent a bike to get around La Digue, or ride the traditional way — on an old-fashioned ox cart.
Anse Source D’Argent: The Beach
The picture perfect beach has shallow, clear water, as well as the coral reef protection, means the beach is a great spot for families, and is also perfect for swimming and snorkelling. At low tide it is difficult to swim because the water is too shallow. You can swim only when the tide is high.
The long beach is divided into many little coves and nooks, all with iconic granite boulders, lush tropical flora, white sands and turquoise waters which makes it so quintessentially Seychelles. This surreal landscape is what makes this beach so unique.
On the beach there are no eateries or hotels, so pack some snacks, towels etc if you plan to spend many hours here. Also bring cash as there are kiosks selling some souvenirs, fruits and coconut water on the beach.
Anse Source D’Argent: Accommodation
The largest hotel on the island, La Digue Island Lodge offers private chalets and bungalows as well as the many comforts of a small resort, including a swimming pool, restaurant and bars, and organized activities such as snorkeling, scuba and weekly boat excursions. Another island outpost is Choppy’s Beach Bungalows, a smaller hotel offering 10 rooms, a restaurant and planned day trips. Both hotels are walking distance from the legendary Anse Source d’Argent beach. There are other restaurants and fruit stalls nearby.
Anse Source D’Argent: Nearby restaurants
Lanboursir
This open beach-restaurant in the Union Estate offers traditional local cuisine, and is the ideal place to enjoy some delicious delicacies. Enjoy freshly-grilled fish, a salad, or one of many other culinary treats with the sand between your toes!
Le Relax Beach House Restaurant
This small hotel, located in the Beach House hotel, offers Creole cuisine, international dishes, and Indian food, as well as a beautiful view of the neighbouring island of Praslin.
Le Repaire (Le Repaire Boutique Hotel)
This Italian restaurant situated in a beautiful tropical garden next to the sea offers authentic Italian cuisine, pizza, pasta, risotto and fish & meat dishes. Don’t forget to leave space for dessert!
The currency on the island is the Seychelles rupee. But you should use foreign currency or a credit card to pay for hotels, transportation and organized tours. For other expenses, you can change money on the island to get local currency.
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