Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Mahe, Seychelles

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Mahe, Seychelles, in the Indian Ocean.

MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES
The Seychelles: ex-iles de la Bourdonnais
Far from any busy shipping route, the Seychelles archipelago has long remained isolated from the rest of the world. While it is inevitable that Arab navigators were the first to approach its shores, it was the Portuguese and Vasco da Gama who, at the very beginning of the 16th century, were the first Europeans to set foot on the islands of Silhouette and Desroches, without however claiming ownership. With the increased trade with India, piracy naturally developed in the region. The Seychelles seem to have been, for a time, a haven for pirates, particularly on Mahé and Fregate Island.

In 1735, the French, already present in Reunion and Mauritius, decided to strengthen their regional colonies. From the first expedition in 1742, the archipelago inherited its first name, “Iles de la Bourdonnais,” and the main island, “Mahé,” from the name of the man who led the expedition, Bertrand-Francois Mahé de la Bourdonnais. However, it wasn’t until 1756 that the de la Bourdonnais islands, which the English were looking at a little too closely, officially became French and changed their name to that of Louis XV’s Minister of Finance, Jean Moreau de Séchelles. The first colony was established in 1770, and by 1788, Saint-Anne had around thirty French citizens and 200 black slaves cultivating the land and trading with passing ships.

After the French Revolution, the Seychelles became the home port of the privateers who plundered the English ships and their wealth from India. It was no surprise that England attacked the archipelago and seized it on 16 May 1794 before taking definitive possession in 1811. The British, who also took Mauritius as part of the deal, abolished slavery on the islands, which put a severe brake on the Seychelles economy, which would pick up again at the beginning of the 20th century thanks to the opening of the Suez Canal, which brought the European market much closer. The first part of the 20th century was difficult for the archipelago and its inhabitants, leading to the country’s independence in 1975 when it developed a socialist-inspired policy.

With an economy focused on luxury tourism, Seychelles now boasts one of Africa’s highest standards of living. French is still spoken by 30% of the population.

SIGHTS
• Beau Vallon Beach
• Betite Anse
• Anse Intendance
• Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
• Moyenne Island
• Copolia Trail
• Victoria Market
• Takamaka Rum Distillery
• Morne Blanc
• Anse Royale Beach
• Anse Major
• Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden

SHOPPING
Shoppers can find a variety of goods, from fresh produce to vibrant clothing. Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, famous for its fresh seafood and handcrafted items, is another must-visit for authentic Seychelles souvenirs. Praslin Island offers a more laid-back shopping scene.

Today’s Excursion – Jardin Du Roi & South Coast of Mahe
During this sun-drenched excursion, we discovered the exquisite tropical gardens and beaches along the south coast of Mahe.
Victoria, Scenic Drive, South Coast of Mahe, Photo Stops, Beautiful Beaches
We departed the pier for the scenic drive south to the Jardin de Roi. We took in stunning panoramic vistas of the south coast of Mahe and photo stops at beautiful beaches. Situated high in the rainforest valley of south Mahe is the picturesque 85-acre Jardin du Roi. This working plantation grows a splendid variety of spice plants, tropical fruit trees, essential oil plants, and endemic palms.

Jardin Du Roi History, Walking Tour
In 1771, the famous Pierre Poivre, or ‘Peter Pepper, decided that Seychelles’ Mahe Island was situated at the perfect latitude
for growing spices, an essential commodity. The site at the base of this hill was used initially for 10 years as a spice plantation. Still, it was burnt to the ground in 1780 by Lieutenant Romainville, the commandant of the French military, who feared a British ship was approaching. The site lay dormant until a new plantation was created in 1860 by Mr William Green Sr., who extended the plantation into the virgin rainforest of this valley; descendants of the Green family still manage this operating plantation today.

Anse Royale Beach, Indian Ocean, Sunbathing, Swimming
Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the nearby Anse Royale Beach, one of the finest beaches in the Seychelles. Upon
arrival, some free time is made available to soak up the warm, tropical sun and/or take a dip in the inviting, crystal-clear seas of
the Indian Ocean that kiss the shores of the Seychelles.

Dinner was in Alantide Restaurant