By Tourism Seychelles
La Digue is a hidden gem and the smallest of the three main islands amongst the Seychelles archipelago, yet unique in personality and its distinctive way of life. Holidays in Seychelles are not complete without a trip to La Digue, and here’s why.
Cycle Your Way Around the Whole Island
It is the only island where bicycles outnumber other motor vehicles. Hence a traffic jam is simply non-existent. Transportation on La Digue has always been special. Back in the olden days, only bicycles and oxcarts were used. Today only one oxcart remains, and it is used mainly for weddings. Buggies cater for trips to touristic locations. Locals still cycle practically everywhere as they happily greet you on their little sanctuary island. Bicycles are available for all visitors and should be taken as soon as you set foot on the island. From thereon, cycle your way to great adventures engulfed by the sounds of nature.
Go on to Historical Discoveries
In its sites and buildings, traces of its colonial past are visible and interesting for those on a discovery tour. An eye-catching one is the ‘Notre Dame de L’Assomption’ church. It is worth stopping by to appreciate the architecture of the first catholic church on the island, built-in 1864. Its annual feast, celebrated on August 15th, is a major event on the island. Read all about the Feast of Assumption here.
A charming small hotel, ideal for honeymooners, families, and couples, is Chateau St Cloud, a former plantation house of a vanilla farm built at the height of the Napoleonic wars. Vanilla was once a valuable industry on the island, and the magnificent architecture of the ‘Chateau’ is proof of its profitability. Visitors are always welcome to visit and appreciate the beauty of the place and the history behind this mansion.
L’Union Estate, an ancient coconut and vanilla plantation, is a chest of treasures. A traditional house once a plantation house is today one of the oldest examples of French colonial architecture, built using wood and covered with palm leaves. Some of the giant tortoises in the world, known as the Aldabra Giant tortoises, can additionally be admired at L’Union Estate Park. L’Union Estate used to have a copra mill for coconut oil production. Only traces of it remain.
Crystal Kayak Tours Await
Another opportunity of a lifetime that awaits you is the Robinson Crusoe crystal water kayak tour at the entrance of Anse Source D’argent. It is an extraordinary feeling to kayak in the clear blue sea whilst admiring the beauty of the marine life lurking underneath the bottom of your kayak.
Enjoy Beautiful Beaches
La Digue is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. Anse Source d’Argent is known to be the most photographed in the world. Its majestic granite boulders with all kinds of formations dominate the island landscape.
Anse Marron and Anse Cocos are well known for their stunning beauty and uniqueness, where you can safely swim between the rock formations, which cater to some natural swimming pools. However, access to those beaches is by foot only; hence another way of discovering the island is by going deeper into its forest before settling for a sun and sea bath.
Fruit Bars and Restaurants
Colourful makeshift fruit bars by the roadside are beautiful – a welcoming place to stop for freshly squeezed tropical juice, especially on a sunny and hot day. Various restaurants on La Digue offer authentic Creole cuisine. One of the most popular is ‘Chez Jules’, known for its seafood and curries, especially his octopus curry. ‘Snack Bellevue’ is a must-stop for an extraordinary dining experience.
Island Hopping
A day trip to nearby Coco or Felicity Islands will make your day. Coco is a natural aquarium where you can swim with fishes and turtles in clear water. Felicity is an impressive island with huge boulders and dense forest, ideal for an adventurous scenic walk. It is also a paradise for snorkelling.
Amazing Trails
Many impressive trails await you on La Digue, including the Anse Marron trail leading to the remote and secluded Anse Marron Beach. A hike to Nid d’Aigle will take you 333 metres above sea level to enjoy some of the island’s best views.
Veuve Nature Reserve
If you’re not much of a hiker but a nature lover, try to catch a glimpse of the rare endemic bird species, the Seychelles paradise flycatcher, in the La Digue Nature Reserve. Enjoying this beautiful bird’s sound and sight as you make your way amongst the trees is blissful.
La Digue is, therefore, not only a dream-like destination for weddings and honeymooners; it is also the place to be immersed in the Seychellois laid-back way of life, its culture, its cuisine and its mesmerising natural beauty.
*This story was culled from Tourism Seychelles. **Cover image courtesy Tourism Seychelles ©Michel Denousse