Luxury Indian Ocean LUXURY INDIAN OCEAN #8 EDITION 2019 | Page 42

DÉCOUVERTES Le célèbre « coco fesse » The famous « coco fesse » the late 18 th and 19 th centuries. Look out for the bust of famed French botanist Pierre Poivre in the cool shade of the gardens outside. Finally, if you’re in the market for Seychellois art inspired by the country’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes, pop into Kenwyn House, one of Victoria’s most beautiful examples of French colonial architecture. It houses a gallery displaying Seychellois art and a souvenir shop selling locally-made jewellery. Alternatively, do what the locals do: grab some rum and beer, and head to the beach! Sipping a cold beverage with your toes in the sand is the perfect way to unwind after a day’s sightseeing. If you’re in Victoria on a Wednesday evening, check out Bazar Labrin, an open-air market at Beau Vallon beach. Here, Seychellois street vendors sell cheap and delicious Creole food in a fun and festive atmosphere, with lots of live music. Look out for stalls selling “kalou” – a potent local toddy made from fermented palm sap! And after all that, you can head back to your hotel and look forward to another relaxing day on one of Mahé’s sumptuous beaches! Creole food and natural wonders As lunchtime approaches, you’ll doubtless want to try some of the fresh and delicious Creole food on offer at Victoria’s many roadside street stalls. Alternatively, make your way to Marie Antoinette for some time- honoured Creole cuisine. Located in a handsome wooden colonial mansion, it has served batter-fried parrotfish, tuna steaks and chicken curries – not to mention coconut nougat – since 1972. Thus refreshed, take a taxi to the National Botanical Gardens in the Mont Fleuri area. This 10,000 m 2 garden, established in 1901 by French Mauritian Paul Rivaltz Dupont, is home to a huge number of endemic spice and fruit trees. It’s the perfect place to spend a couple of hours in the shade of breadfruit, nutmeg, and tamarind trees, as well as the Seychelles’ celebrated “Coco de Mer”! Take in the beautiful orchid garden and the enclosures for native birds, bats and giant Aldabra tortoises. Then cool off with a cold drink in the gardens’ café, which is also open for lunch and dinner. Balmy tropical evenings At dusk, the ferocious tropical heat begins to fade. Yet you’ll probably find that by 5 or 6 p.m., the streets of Victoria are empty and most shops are shuttered for the night! Thankfully, there are a few options to round off your day in a suitably laid-back style. With its lounge furniture and beach-bar vibe, the Boardwalk Bar & Grill on Eden Island – an upmarket new residential area and marina to the south of Victoria – is the perfect place for a relaxed evening drink. Une plage entre végétation luxuriante et mer turquoise Seychelles' beaches come with lush vegetation and turquoise sea Best spots | Adresses News Café Trinity House, Victoria T. [phone] Marie-Antoinette Serret Road, Mahé T. [phone] Boardwalk Bar & Grill Eden Island, Mahé T. [phone] Bazar Labrin market Beau Vallon beach Every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Seychelles National Botanical Gardens Mont Fleuri, Mahé E. [email protected] National History Museum Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahé E. [email protected] Closed on Sundays and public holidays Kenwyn House Francis Rachel Street, Victoria, Mahé W. kenwynhouse.com Closed on Sundays