The Seychelles are like a living postcard, a dream setting where the infinite blue of the Indian Ocean blends with white sandy beaches lined with palm trees and granite rocks sculpted by time. This archipelago of 115 islands, scattered like pearls across turquoise waters, is a popular destination for travellers in search of exoticism and serenity. And yet, far beyond its heavenly beaches, the Seychelles boast an exceptional wealth of natural and cultural riches. Biodiversity is unique, with emblematic species such as the giant Aldabra tortoise and the famous coco de mer, whose intriguing shape has made it a veritable botanical curiosity. Seychelles' culture, with its blend of African, Asian and European influences, is expressed through its Creole architecture, traditional dances and spice-flavoured cuisine. To explore these islands is to plunge into a world where nature reigns supreme, where the art of living rhymes with gentleness and hospitality. Each island has its own character: Mahé, the largest, vibrates to the rhythm of Victoria, its colourful capital; Praslin captivates with its UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai; La Digue bewitches with its dreamy beaches and timeless atmosphere. Between exploration and idleness, the Seychelles offer an unforgettable experience, where every sunrise reveals a magical spectacle over the infinite ocean.
Reaching the Seychelles is already a foretaste of escape. The archipelago is served by Mahé International Airport (SEZ), located a few kilometres from Victoria, the capital. Several major airlines operate regular flights, including Air Seychelles, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Turkish Airlines. From Europe, Air France and Air Seychelles offer direct flights from Paris, while travellers from other continents often opt to connect via Dubai, Addis Ababa or Istanbul. Once they have arrived, visitors will find that the organisation to reach their final destination is seamless. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are the three main islands, and several means of transport link them efficiently. Air Seychelles operates domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin, a fifteen-minute journey offering breathtaking views over the lagoons. For those who prefer to sail, fast ferries such as Cat Cocos operate between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, offering an immersive experience on the water. On land, Mahé and Praslin have an economical bus network and taxis are available from the airport and major towns. Hiring a car is also an excellent option for exploring these islands in complete freedom, particularly on Mahé where the roads wind through spectacular scenery. To reach the more remote islands, excursions by private boat or seaplane offer an exclusive alternative, enabling you to discover unspoilt paradises accessible only by sea or air.
A stay in Seychelles is a unique experience, where accommodation plays a key role in immersing you in the heart of this tropical paradise. The archipelago offers a range of options to suit all budgets and tastes, from ultra-luxurious hotels to cosy guest houses and eco-lodges nestling in unspoilt nature. Travellers in search of exclusivity will be seduced by the top-of-the-range resorts scattered around private islands, offering villas with infinity pools and breathtaking ocean views. Among them, Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island offers an intimate, eco-friendly experience, while North Island Lodge is the ultimate choice for a luxury retreat, popular with celebrities and honeymooners. In Praslin, Constance Lemuria captivates with its golf course, refined suites and direct access to Anse Georgette, one of the island's most beautiful beaches.
For a more authentic and friendly atmosphere, boutique hotels and eco-lodges are an excellent alternative. Domaine de L'Orangeraie, on La Digue, offers elegant villas in a tropical setting, while Coco de Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites, on Praslin, captivates with its peaceful ambience and panoramic ocean views. Those looking for budget accommodation can opt for the many guest houses dotted around the main islands. Chez Batista, on Mahé, offers a warm welcome and direct access to an unspoilt beach, while Villa Anse La Blague, on Praslin, is ideal for a stay close to nature. For the adventurous, some islands offer camping or rustic bungalow accommodation, a unique way to connect fully with Seychelles' exceptional environment.
Seychelles cuisine is a veritable explosion of flavours, reflecting the African, Indian, French and Asian influences that have blended together over the centuries. At the crossroads of cultures and oceans, it celebrates fresh produce, particularly fish and seafood, enhanced by a skilful blend of local spices. One of the signature dishes is the fish curry, a bewitching combination of coconut milk, turmeric and chilli that explodes with flavour on the palate. Rougail saucisse, meanwhile, is a comforting dish based on simmered tomatoes and spicy herbs. Market stalls also sell grilled bourgeois, a local fish prized for its tender flesh, often accompanied by fragrant rice and mango or papaya chutneys. Lovers of culinary discoveries can try palm kernel salad, nicknamed the "millionaire's salad" because of the rarity of its main ingredient, or ladob, a subtly sweet dessert made from banana and coconut milk.
The restaurants of the Seychelles offer a diversity of atmospheres and flavours. For a total immersion in Creole cuisine, Marie Antoinette, on Mahé, is an institution offering a traditional menu with Seychellois and French influences. In La Digue, Chez Jules is renowned for its grilled fish and authentic seaside atmosphere. In Praslin, Les Rochers offers a romantic setting and refined cuisine, perfect for dining under the stars. The local markets and small street stalls also offer a taste of Seychelles street food, with crispy fish fritters or spicy samoussas, perfect for a gourmet break between two excursions.
To find out more, see our special article on gastronomy in the Seychelles
The Seychelles is much more than just a postcard setting, offering a diversity of landscapes and activities that will delight travellers in search of escape and discovery. One of the archipelago's must-see icons is Anse Source d'Argent, located on the island of La Digue. With its shallow turquoise waters and imposing granite boulders polished by time, this beach is often ranked among the most beautiful in the world. In Praslin, the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a veritable Garden of Eden, home to the mysterious cocos de mer, the bewitchingly shaped nuts found only in the Seychelles. The lush natural environment is also home to rare species such as the black parrot, the island's emblem.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé offers spectacular trails through dense vegetation, leading to breathtaking ocean views. Wildlife lovers won't want to miss a visit to Curieuse Island, a sanctuary for Aldabra's giant tortoises, where these impressive creatures roam free among the mangroves and wild beaches. Finally, for a timeless getaway, the Aldabra atoll, one of the largest coral atolls in the world, offers exceptional biodiversity, with turquoise lagoons sheltering extraordinary marine wildlife, from manta rays to nurse sharks.
Seychelles offers a wide range of activities to suit all types of traveller, whether you're a thrill-seeker or looking for total relaxation. For diving and snorkelling enthusiasts, the archipelago reveals exceptional seabeds populated by multicoloured coral, sea turtles and tropical fish. Sites such as the Sainte-Anne marine reserve, Coco islet and Aldabra atoll are must-see spots for observing underwater wildlife in crystal-clear waters. Kayaking and paddle-boarding also offer a peaceful way to explore the coastline, along deserted beaches and spectacular rock formations.
Hikers will love the Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé, where several trails wind through the rainforest, offering breathtaking views of the ocean. The hike to Mission Lodge is particularly recommended for its unique panorama and colonial history. On Praslin, the Vallée de Mai trail allows you to admire the lush flora and famous cocos de mer. On La Digue, cycling is the preferred means of transport for exploring the island, particularly for reaching the legendary beach of Anse Source d'Argent or venturing into the wilderness of Union Estate Park.
When it comes to relaxation, the Seychelles is full of spas and wellness establishments where visitors can enjoy treatments inspired by Creole traditions, based on essential coconut oils and local plants. At night, the atmosphere is more festive in some of the hotels and bars on Mahé and Praslin, where local musicians liven up the evenings to the sound of the moutya and sega, the traditional Seychelles dances. Establishments such as the Katiolo Nightclub on Mahé offer lively evenings in an exotic setting by the sea. Between unspoilt nature, aquatic activities and moments of relaxation, the Seychelles are an ideal destination for combining adventure and idleness.
Shopping in Seychelles is an experience in itself, allowing visitors to take a piece of this tropical paradise home with them. Local handicrafts are an important part of Seychellois culture, and many markets and shops offer handmade items, often inspired by the surrounding nature. In Victoria, the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke market is one of the best places to pick up authentic souvenirs, such as woven vacoa baskets, wood carvings and local spices like vanilla and cinnamon. Jewellery lovers will love the shell and pearl creations on offer, including those by Jouel, a brand renowned for its Indian Ocean-inspired pieces.
Seychelles is also famous for its production of artisanal rum. The Takamaka distillery, located in Mahé, offers tours to discover the production process and taste different varieties of local rum, with its exotic aromas of vanilla and spices. The coco de mer, the national emblem, is a unique souvenir to take home, although its export is strictly regulated and requires a certificate of authenticity. For those seeking artistic creations, several galleries exhibit the work of Seychellois artists, such as the Michael Adams gallery, where you can admire and buy vibrant watercolours capturing the essence of the archipelago. Last but not least, the small boutiques on La Digue and Praslin offer colourful fabrics, perfect for making light clothing reminiscent of the gentle Seychelles way of life.
Although small in size, Seychelles has a rich, mixed culture, shaped by African, European and Asian influences. Seychellois Creole is spoken by the majority of the population, alongside French and English, the country's official languages. A few Creole words can be useful when talking to the locals, such as "Bonzour" (Hello), "Mersi" (Thank you) or "Koman ou été" (How are you?).
Cultural traditions are strongly rooted in music and dance. Sega and moutya, two dance styles of African origin, are often accompanied by rhythmic percussion and songs in Creole. These dances were once a means of expression for slaves and today remain a strong symbol of Seychellois identity. During festivals, it is not uncommon to see locals gather around a campfire to dance to the sound of traditional drums.
Local festivals and events are an excellent opportunity to discover Seychelles' culture. The annual Victoria International Carnival brings together artists and dancers from all over the world in an explosion of colour and festivities. Independence Day, celebrated on 29 June, is marked by parades, concerts and folk shows. For food lovers, the Kreol Festival, held in October, showcases traditional cuisine with tasting stands and culinary demonstrations. Taking part in these events allows you to fully immerse yourself in the warm and festive atmosphere of the Seychelles, where joie de vivre is omnipresent.
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