The Seychelles is home to no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the legendary Vallée de Mai on Praslin where the wondrously shaped Coco-de-mer nut grows high on ancient palms and fabled Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, first seen by early Arab seafarers of the 9th century A.D.
Unspoiled islands of fine white sandy beaches washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The enchanting granite islands of the Seychelles archipelago are one of the world’s very last frontiers.
Lush tropical vegetation and exotic palms, spectacular views and dazzling coral reefs, the Seychelles has it all.
An exciting yet tranquil island destination, the Seychelles offers breathtaking natural beauty in pristine surrounds, still untouched by man.
History
Seychelles can trace its first settlement back to 1770 when the islands were first settled by the French, leading a small party of whites, Indians and Africans. The islands remained in French hands until the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, evolving from humble beginnings to attain a population of 3,500 by the time Seychelles was ceded to Britain under the treaty of Paris in 1814.
Under the British, Seychelles achieved a population of approximately 7000 by the year 1825. Important estates were established during this time producing coconut, food crops, cotton and sugar cane.
During this period Seychelles also saw the establishment of Victoria as the capital, the exile of numerous and colourful troublemakers from the Empire, the devastation caused by the famous Avalanche of 1862 and the economic repercussions of the abolition of slavery.
