Monuments and a Garden in Mont Fleuri

Mont Fleuri can be explored through two distinct themes: monuments and a hands-on encounter with nature. Le Palmes Theatre is one of the Seychelles’ national monuments and is associated with Mont Fleuri; this designation is historical. A list published by the Seychelles Heritage Foundation in January 2016 also lists the Botanical Garden as a national monument of the Seychelles and associates it with Mont Fleuri. Visitors can feed giant tortoises at the National Botanical Garden.

This gives travellers a local focus that brings cultural heritage and wildlife together. Those mainly interested in monuments will find two named sites in Le Palmes Theatre and the Botanical Garden; those looking for a hands-on nature activity can feed giant tortoises at the National Botanical Garden. The focus thus shifts from cultural heritage to an active encounter with the giant tortoises.

Victoria Hospital is also located in Mont Fleuri. This location adds a practical geographical point of reference to the cultural and botanical themes.

More Nature and Culture Across the Seychelles

Looking at the Seychelles as a wider travel destination reveals the diverse histories of its islands and natural environments. The Seychelles’ marine parks can be reached by boat; Port-Launay is also accessible on foot. Ste. Anne Marine Park comprises six islands. On Moyenne Island, which is part of the park, there are remains of early settlers’ houses, pirate graves and a small thatched chapel. Natural features and traces of history coexist within the same park.

Curieuse offers a different connection between landscape and history. A mangrove swamp borders Baie Laraie; a raised boardwalk runs through the swamp and provides access to the mangrove habitat even at high tide. At the same time, the island was used as a quarantine site for people with leprosy for almost a hundred years. Curieuse thus brings together a route through the wetland and a long history of use.

On Praslin, the focus shifts more towards biodiversity and trails. At 19.5 hectares, Vallée de Mai is one of the smallest natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. It is also the only area in the Seychelles where all six species occur together. Praslin National Park is home to endemic, indigenous and native plants, as well as various insects and other animals; these include the Black Parrot, which is found only on Praslin and the surrounding islets. There are several short trails in the park, while Glacis Noire is the only official trail.

On La Digue, the Veuve Special Reserve offers another connection with nature. The reserve covers 21 hectares and is part of a 200-hectare plateau on the western side of the island. Reserve staff answer questions and help visitors find the birds.

Discover more destinations: Moyenne, Mont Fleuri, Victoria, Outer Islands, Les Mamelles, Anse Royale, Pointe La Rue, Glacis.

For the full travel overview: Seychelles.