Seychelles

Why Seychelles

There are destinations that keep their promises, and the Seychelles is one of them. One hundred and fifteen islands scattered in the Indian Ocean, 1,600 km from the African coast and a thousand miles from the hustle and bustle of the world. Here, time does not have the same course: it is measured in tides, in the colors of water and in the shadow cast by coconut trees on the white sand.

What makes the Seychelles unique in the Indian Ocean is its geology. Unlike the coral atolls of the Maldives or Polynesia, the granite islands of the archipelago (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue) are fragments of Gondwana, the primordial supercontinent. These pink granite rocks sculpted by millions of years of waves and wind are the image of the country: monumental, sensual, inimitable. Behind them, turquoise water whose shade changes every hour of the day.

Seychelles' nature is not a backdrop: it is a living heritage. Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The giant tortoises of Aldabra form the largest colony in the world. Millions of terns nest on Bird Island every summer. The coco de mer of the Vallée de Mai grows nowhere else on Earth. You come to the Seychelles to rest, of course, but you leave with something more sustainable than tanning.

When to go

The Seychelles climate is governed by two monsoons that alternate throughout the year. The northwest monsoon (December to March) brings heat and abundant rainfall, sometimes torrential: December is the wettest month with more than 640 mm. The southeast monsoon (May to September) is milder, with trade winds that cool the beaches and calmer seas on the west coast of the islands.

The best travel windows are May-June and October. These two transitional months offer a generally calm sea, clear skies and perfect light for diving and photography. July and August are technically the high season (high prices, reservations required well in advance), with sometimes strong trade winds that can agitate the sea and make some exposed beaches inaccessible. The months of January and December are to be avoided if you want to enjoy the beaches and snorkeling: the turbid sea and daily rains spoil the experience.

How much does it cost

The Seychelles is a premium destination. This is not an image: it is the reality of the island economy, where everything is imported and accommodation resources are limited by the size of the islands. Expect to pay between €150 and €280 per person per day for mid-range accommodation (guest house or small hotel), meals and activities included. A luxury resort (which is the norm in many islands) can easily triple this budget.

Flights from Paris require a stopover (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Nairobi depending on the company) and cost between €650 in low season and €1,400 in high season round trip. The total journey takes from 10:30 am to 1 pm depending on the company and the stopover. Inter-island connections (ferries and local planes) represent an additional cost to be budgeted.

The good news: essential activities are accessible. Snorkeling from the beach is free. National parks require modest entrance fees (€10-20 per person). Bike rental in La Digue (the island's main mode of transport) costs only a few euros per day.

Where to go

The Seychelles is naturally organized into two types of islands. The inland granite islands (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette) are the most accessible and the most visited: mountainous, covered with tropical forests, bordered by pink granite beaches and white sand. The outer coral islands (Bird Island, Denis Island, Les Amirantes, Aldabra) are further away, often accessible only by charter plane, and reserved for very specific experiences: ornithology, diving, absolute retreat.

For a first trip, the trio Mahé, Praslin, La Digue is the ideal combination. Mahé for the arrival, acclimatization and protected beaches. Praslin for the Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio, regularly cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. La Digue for its timeless tempo, its bikes and Anse Source d'Argent. By adding a few days, Silhouette offers a dive into an even more unspoiled nature, and Bird Island an unparalleled ornithological experience.

Our itineraries

In pictures

Practical advice

Formalities

No visa for French nationals: a visitor's permit is issued free of charge on arrival at Mahé airport. Initially valid for one month, it is renewable for up to 3 months on site. Bring a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return, a return ticket and proof of accommodation (sufficient hotel reservation voucher). No vaccinations are required to enter the Seychelles. DTP, hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines are recommended by French travel doctors. No risk of malaria in the inner granite islands.

Getting around

Between Mahé and Praslin, there are two options: the fast Cat Cocos ferry (about 1 hour, €60 one way) or the Air Seychelles plane (15 minutes, more expensive but spectacular). Between Praslin and La Digue, the inter-island ferry connects in 30 minutes for about twenty euros. Book your ferry tickets in advance during the high season, especially for the return trip. In La Digue, cycling is the only means of land transport available (cars are reserved for police and emergency services). On Mahé, public buses run to the east and west coast at a low price, but a taxi or rental car is more convenient to reach the secluded beaches.

Culture and uses

Seychellois are warmly welcoming and proud of their Creole identity, a unique blend of African, European, Indian and Chinese influences. Seychellois Creole is the language of everyday life, but French and English will open all doors for you. Creole cuisine is worth a visit: breadfruit carry, captain's grill, ladob (banana cooked in coconut milk and spices). In tourist establishments, service is often included in the bill, but a tip is appreciated for exceptional service. Swimwear stays on the beach: cover up to enter markets, small grocery stores and restaurants in town.

Frequently asked questions