Are you tempted by a cruise to the largest and the most well-known
island of the Seychelles? A coastline of more than 70 kilometers is
awaiting to be discovered by you during your careless luxury charter vacation in
Mahé. The bays embellishing this magnificent coastline are Beau
Vallon, Port Launay and Baie Ternay, make sure to sail them
all.
Mahé Island is the Seychelle’s largest island and home to the
country’s capital of Victoria where 90% of the population resides.
Discover celestial beaches and the robust southern region. This 44
kilometer-long Garden of Eden was once a pirates hideout. The Vallé
de Mai is home to species of turtles and the one and only Coco de
Mer (Sea Coconut), a coconut palm tree growing in water. These
natural wonders make Praslini an absolute must-visit.
A luxury charter vacation is a perfect way for you to discover the
island’s hidden treasures. This island, only 27 kilometers long and
8 kilometers wide, is best to be explored in a Mini Moke, a light
vehicle greatly appreciated by tourists thanks to its functionality
and facility to adapt in different situations. Picturesque narrow
roads are defined with slopes and bends. The island can therefore
also be explored on foot with the many hiking trails, some more
difficult than others.
This excursion takes from 6 to 8 hours both ways and is possible
solely with a guide. The hike ends on the summit (905 meters) of a
mountain overlooking Victoria. Binoculars are a must as the
splendid view on the island’s nature, and perhaps even your luxury
charter yacht on the horizon, will leave you
enchanted.
- Val Riche Copolia
This hike of about 2 hours both ways is quite a difficult one but
does not require the presence of a guide. With departure from
Chemin Sanssouci, during this hike you will discover the island’s
eastern coast as seen from atop Glacis, a gigantic granite block
surmounting the ocean.
- Anse Major
This 1.5 hour hike departing from Danzilles gives a chance to
explore Mahé’s northwestern coast.
- Les trios frères (the three brothers)
4 kilometers both ways in about 3 hours time to show what you are
really capable of. Departing from Sans Soucis, this trail continues
on to the Black Forest and further to the north
Founded around it’s harbor, Victoria was at first baptized
“Establishment” by its first colonizers who accompanied the
contingent of Charles de Romainville in 1778. The town was later
re-baptized by the British who, in 1814, named it after their
queen. Victoria is one of the smallest capital cities in the world.
This miniature town is the only one in Seychelles, also the only
port of the island, and is the country’s economical and
administrative hub as well as permanent residence of the republic’s
president. It is nonetheless a bustling and pleasurable place as
the locals take it one day at a time.
The absolutely splendid and picturesque downtown is embellished
with an anachronistic clock tower marking the historic center where
on the rue de l’Indépendance are located banks as well as quaint
boutiques. The local market draws attention with multicolored and
fragrant fresh fruits and vegetables. However clothing and small
souvenirs are also to be found there. A few steps away from the
market is a handcraft gallery with local products, such as fabric
and shells.
The Victoria National Museum of History is open every day, apart
from Wednesdays, from 8h30 until 16h30 and until noon on Saturdays.
The museum is both a library and a museum of natural history. With
vast expositions of shells and coral reefs, the museum also holds a
collection of official documents of the archipelago, including the
act of possession by the French signed in Victoria in 1756.
State House
This ancient residence of British governors is nowadays the
presidential palace visited only when granted a rare permission. It
is only possible to admire its breathtaking verdant gardens.
Posters and photos take visitors back in time teaching about the
struggle for independence of this tiny republic and the come to
power of president René.
Victoria Natural History Museum
A rather outdated zone thanks to which you will discover the rich
local flora and fauna, such as sea coconuts, crustaceans, insects,
butterflies and many more.
Val-des-près
A quaint village known for its arts and crafts, Val-des-près
unveils its local cultural heritage to all its visitors. Giant
tortoise shells as well as coconuts are the most well-known local
products of this village holding 10 boutiques, a restaurant as well
as a few Creole buildings.