Seychelles: a paradise where you can also walk

When we say Seychelles, you probably think of fine sand, translucent lagoons, coconut palms tilted with the elegance of a yoga dummy, and tropical cocktails with paper umbrellas. And you're right... but not entirely. Because there's another side to the archipelago, a little sweatier, a little leafier, and a thousand times more exciting: the hiking trails. Yes, yes, you read that right. The Seychelles isn't just a farniente destination where you get a tan sipping guava juice. It's also an island (or rather a chain of islands) where you can climb, walk and get out of breath in the tropical humidity... only to be ecstatic at the top. It's a land where every path leads to a reward: a hidden bay, a breathtaking panorama, or a black parrot judging you out of the corner of its eye.

And this year once again, the Seychelles are getting out their trail shoes to invite you to the second edition of the Seychelles Nature Traila life-size race through the green jewels of Mahé. An event that reminds us, if proof were needed, that the Seychelles aren't just beautiful to look at, they're fabulous to explore - on foot, in a sweat, and with a smile on your face. So why not ditch the beach towel for five minutes? Grab a bottle of water, a pair of trainers and we'll take you on some of the archipelago's most beautiful trails. I promise, you'll never look at the Seychelles in the same way again.

Anse Major: the walk that takes you straight to a postcard

If one day a genius suggests you enter a postcard, tell him "Anse Major". This trail, located on the north-west coast of Mahé, is a gentle introduction to the island's hidden wonders. Easy to access and 2.9 kilometres long, it takes you through grey granite rocks, dense forests and giant ferns, all the while following the ridge line above a lagoon-coloured ocean in the background.

It's the kind of walk that makes you feel like the hero of an adventure film - if that film were accompanied by birdsong and a few lizards crossing the path as if nonchalantly saying 'hello'. And the reward? A secret beach, invisible from the road, where tourists are few and far between and selfies are perfect. Anse Major is the divine alliance between measured effort and seaside bliss. And between you and me, you're not forbidden to take a little picnic with you. A good sandwich + a swim in a deserted cove = a definitive argument for enjoying walking.

Copolia: the summit where you become a poet

Never underestimate a short trail. Copolia is only 1.4 km long, but believe me, it'll have you drooling with chlorophyll. This trail starts out wisely, with a lovely canopy to protect you from the sun, a few treacherous roots to test your ankles, and lush vegetation that smells of moss and wet lime. But the higher you climb, the shorter your breath becomes... and the more the views become breathtaking. At the summit? A slab of granite like a theatre stage, and in front of you, a 180° panorama of the capital Victoria, its satellite islands, the Sainte-Anne Marine Park and the sea, a blue that would make the Pantone palette blush. It's the kind of place where, without realising it, you murmur an animal-like "wow" of wonder. And for plant fans, the area is a natural sanctuary where the 'pitcher plant' grows, that little carnivorous wonder with a design straight out of a Tim Burton film. Copolia, then, is a climb that feeds the legs, the eyes... and the Instagram.

Morne Blanc: when the mist becomes a theatrical curtain

Here's a hike that's no joke. Morne Blanc is a bit like Copolia's serious big brother: 1.8 km, 667 metres in altitude, and a difference in altitude that stings the calves a little. But here you are in the most humid and mysterious part of Mahé, a cloud forest where the trees are covered in moss as if they were wearing soft coats, and where every breath of wind seems to whisper an old Creole secret. The well-marked path climbs through a misty, almost mystical atmosphere. You're surrounded by tree ferns, endemic palm trees and roots to step over like a life-size board game. Then suddenly, after the effort, an observation platform.

And then, BOOM. The west coast of Mahé is revealed before your eyes, framed by clouds like a tableau vivant. It's not just beautiful. It's spiritual. You might want to stand there in silence, taking a deep breath, as if to remind yourself that the effort is worthwhile. And that the view after the sweat... that's the real victory.

Seychelles Nature Trail 2025: the adventure begins at full speed

Tired of trails in the Alps where your bottom freezes at 2000 metres? Welcome to the Seychelles Nature Trailthe event where you can sweat it out in the tropics. This year's date is 23 August 2025 for an even sportier, greener and more "Wow! On the programme: 22 kilometres of pure plant-based bliss, with treacherous roots, forest paths, rocky climbs and knee-buckling descents. All this on the island of Mahé, with jaw-dropping views every two kilometres (and that's a low estimate). But this trail isn't just a performance: it's also a total immersion in Seychelles nature. You'll come across endemic palm trees, rare birds and maybe even a shy chameleon cheering you on. And when you arrive? Tired legs, a wide-open heart... and the feeling of having experienced something unique.

La Digue: a paradise for feet and pedals

La Digue is the island where cars have been banned, bicycles are sacred and walking is almost a religion. Here, everything is done on foot, and that's a blessing. The paths wind through coconut groves, steep hills and hidden valleys. The highlight? The climb to Eagle's nestthe highest point on the island. It's a good climb, sometimes tough (yes, you do sweat a bit), but at the top you get a view worthy of a celestial drone. You can see Praslin, Mahé, the endless ocean and the red roofs of La Digue. On the way down, a stop at the restaurant Belle Vue lemonade, iced tamarind juice, and the feeling that you've earned every sip. And that's not all: once you're back at sea level, secret little beaches are revealed along the way - such as Anse Cocos or Grand Anseaccessible only on foot. In other words, on La Digue, you can't find happiness in a car... you have to walk to find it.

Vallée de Mai: Jurassic Park, but with good karma

Welcome to the May Valleyon the island of Praslin. A place so unspoilt that you can still hear the earth whispering. This UNESCO-listed site is a plant sanctuary, famous for being home to the iconic coco de mera giant seed with a suggestive look (if you know what I mean). But that's not all: the signposted path through the valley transports you to a prehistoric world. The palm trees rise like cathedral columns, the birds sing in hushed silence, and every step seems suspended in time. If you're lucky, you'll come across the black parrotIt's a bit of a snob, but a magnificent one. This is not a sporting hike, no. It's a sacred walk. A moment of plant grace. And perhaps, who knows, the best way to fall in love with the planet all over again.

What if walking was the best way to love the Seychelles?

You can imagine these islands stretched out. Lazy. Glamorous. Spread out in the sun like magazine models. But in reality, the Seychelles are standing. Standing on their mountains, their paths, their roots. It's when you walk that you realise their true beauty: the beauty of raw, exuberant, unspoilt nature. So if you still have any doubts: put away the sun cream and flip-flops. Grab a water bottle and a good pair of shoes... and set off on your voyage of discovery. You'll see, the salty sweat of the Seychelles is worth all the sea bathing in the world.

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