Not very original without doubt but the reality exceeds even the most ambitious attempts to depict this archipelago. Composed of 115 islands, some are granitic, others coral, Seychelles or rather the Republic of Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean and its main island is Mahé, where is also its international airport. The history of this archipelago, whose official languages are Seychellois Creole, English and French, crosses that of Vasco de Gama : if the Portuguese explorer was not the first to visit the archipelago, Arab merchants would have had the first, he on the other hand put down in writing the discoveries which he made on this island which he called Amirantes, at the very beginning of XVIe century. It was also at this time that the first drawings of the archipelago were designed by the Portuguese Alberto Cantino. It was not until the 18th century, however, that these islands adopted their present name, with a few spelling differences: the name sechelles was then used in honour of a Comptroller General of Finance of Louis XV. The Seychelles came under English rule in 1814 and only became independent in 1976, while remaining attached to the Commonwealth and the Francophonie.

Tourism developed there in the 1970s, giving rise to a proliferation of tourist accommodation, intended to cover the needs of a constantly growing clientele. Because the appetite of candidates for Seychellois stays is explained both by an idyllic climate but also a very specific flora and fauna.

Pleasant all year round, the archipelago escapes the cyclone season, the Seychelles can boast an average temperature of 30 degrees. Two seasons prevail: the rainy season, which generally runs from November to April, is characterized by its air full of humidity and its temperatures slightly higher than the rest of the year, around 32 degrees. The cool season, which covers the period from May to October, is characterized by more wind.

In this ideal climatic environment, both animals and plants have managed to grow en masse: the islands of Bird, Cousin, Aride and Frégate are thus home to many birds, whose spectacle remains particularly striking during the migrations of these birds to the island of Bird, the well-named, to reproduce. On land, it is the giant turtles that attract the glances: their size can sometimes reach 1,50 meter and their weight 250 kilos. As for the sea, there are many tropical fish species.

The flora conceals treasures just as precious: bougainvilleas, orchids, frangipani trees compete for the attention of the flower lover. But the palm of originality is undoubtedly the coconut of the sea, this palm tree whose females give a double nut of some 20 kilos and which resembles to be mistaken with female buttocks ! This palm tree has become the national symbol of the Seychelles.

The view of these paradisiac landscapes could be enough for the happiness of many holidaymakers. But Seychelles also offers a dynamic range of sports and activities: if sailing and snorkelling can be practised all year round, diving is preferable from March to May and from September to November. Fishing, recommended from October to April, is an essential activity. Finally, bird watching is recommended during breeding periods, in April, during nesting, May September, or during migration in October.

To the question: which island to choose? It is difficult to answer. However, a stay in the Seychelles could be satisfied with a tour in the islands of Mahé, Praslin or even La Digue. But everyone is free to explore the islands according to their desires.

It's fashionable to adopt a relaxed attitude on holiday, especially after a flight to the Seychelles of more than 10 hours. Be aware, however, that dress decency is the rule in the archipelago: in the city, beachwear is not tolerated.

Art and culture in Seychelles
The paradisiac landscapes of the Seychelles have inspired many Seychellois artists. So much so that some of them, such as the painters Donald Adelaide, Michael Adams and Christine Harter, have acquired an international reputation. Seychellois crafts produce beautiful models of boats but also very attractive basketry items, such as braided hats. In addition to textiles, one can also buy a sea coconut, or failing that, a pendant in this form, less cumbersome and at a less prohibitive price.

What to visit in Seychelles
During your hotel holiday in the Seychelles, a visit to Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles, will take you on a tour of the island.