A large number of reefs within the inner granitic islands of the archipelago of Seychelles could be entirely lost, unless concerted action is taken soon to control crown of thorns, warns Dr. Udo Englhardt, the expert on on the management of crown of thorns in a...
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Anse La Reunion Granite Rocks
L’Union Estate
Anse La Reunion Granite Rocks is a natural wonder and is considered a national monument. The rocks cover an acre of land, forming part of the L’Union Estate. L’Union Estate houses was a traditional copra mill with a kiln. Oldest specimens of tortoises are found in this estate. This property also houses the oldest Cemetery of the former settlers on La Digue and also one of the most untouched beaches of the Seychelles and one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
A large part of the L’Union Estate Park is a vanilla plantation and in the rear area there is a farm where chili, aubergines, passion fruit and much more are grown. There is also a “Boat Yard” on the premises, here you can see how boats and ships are manufactured and repaired.
The Plantation House has now been transformed into a small museum with a small art gallery.
Granite Rocks
This extremely impressive monolith is located at Anse L’Union on the west coast of La Digue. The granite boulder was formed around 750 million years ago, by the slow cooling of molten rocks (magma) deep within the earth’s crust which gave it its especially large crystals. The magnificent shape of this formation is due to its long exposure to the natural elements of weather.
Just below the granite monolith is the tortoise pen. Here, you can see some of the largest tortoises on earth. The Aldabra Giant Tortoise is one of the longest living animals on earth. They can live up to 200 years and weigh over 300 kilograms.
Souvenir Kiosks
There are a couple of small souvenir kiosks in L’Union Estate. These sellers have everything from local spices and rums to coco de mer nuts you can take home.
Old Pier Cafe
Old Pier Cafe is set on the waterfront just near the Old Pier, another great photo spot in L’Union Estate. Old Pier Cafe offers Italian, American, Cajun & Creole, European, and Asian cuisine. The Café serves grilled ribs, grilled tilapia, burgers, fish and chips and many more and the customers can choose the additions and sauces they want. The cafe also offers its customers a lot of vegetarian options on the menu, as well as some healthy options for its dieting customers.
Veuve reserve, Anse Reunion
Nature lovers will have the opportunity to seek out the rare black paradise flycatcher, once thought to be extinct but now protected in the La Digue Veuve Special Reserve which is also home to two rare species of terrapin.
The Veuve Information Centre 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”.
La Digue
La Digue island is forty kilometres (25 miles) from Mahé and 7 km (3.5 miles) from Praslin. It is the fourth largest island in the Seychelles after Silhouette. This granite island receives its visitors mainly by boat at the quaint jetty at La Passe and is a popular destination for holidaymakers wishing for a taste of the traditional. Bicycling is the most common mode of transport on the island.
The Beach
The beach is very popular, with its dazzling white sands and shaded by craning coconut palms. The beach can get crowded partially because the beach area shrinks at hide tide. Coming in the early morning and returning in the late afternoon is a great way to avoid many of the island’s day visitors. During the day a couple of shacks sell fruit and refreshments, and there are glass bottom transparent kayaks for rent.
The beach is protected by a spectacular coral reef and is lapped by calm and shallow waters that allow you to bathe in total safety. If you want to swim or snorkel, you have to wait for high tide.
Eustache Sardes House at La Digue
This is a National Monument. This is predominantly a timber constructed house and one of the real remaining examples of its kind in Seychelles.
The house once stood on large masonry pillars, but now rests on a habitable concrete basement. It has a façade verandah, with ornamental wooden balusters mansards on its roof providing adequate and habitable attic space. The design allows natural ventilation.
Where To Stay On La Digue
Hotel Chateau St Cloud is a mid-range 3 star hotel in an excellent location close enough to both the incredible southwest beaches and the port.
Le Nautique is a high-end hotel rated as one of the best waterfront accommodations on La Digue. It offers traditional Creole architecture with modern comforts including king-sized beds and rain-showers. There is an amazing outdoor restaurant and beautiful garden.
Dream Holiday is a self catering budget hotel located on the northern end of the island very close to the ferry terminal. This location is close to the bike rental shops, snack stores and even supermarkets. This hotel offers queen rooms with air-conditioning, TV, private bathrooms, and even a balcony.
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