English River: Cultural History and La Bastille
Accommodation in English River
Cultural history in Victoria and La Bastille
English River can be explored through its cultural and historical points of interest. Most of Victoria lies in English River. The National Museum of History in Victoria collects, preserves and displays historical artefacts. Its exhibitions illustrate the history of the Seychelles and feature ethnological objects relating to the traditions and ways of life of earlier times.
For planning your trip, this provides a specific collection that connects historical records with insights into earlier ways of life. Check the current opening arrangements before visiting the museum.
La Bastille Building is listed as a national heritage site in the English River district. Ange Pilleron built the building in the early 1930s; its design was intended to reflect the great wealth of the Pilleron family. The construction period and design give the building a specific historical context: they link a named period of origin with the intention of making the family’s wealth visible. The 2018 tourism plan also named La Bastille as one of the Seychelles’ cultural attractions marketed under the “Patrimwann” brand.
The two topics have different focuses: the museum centres on historical artefacts and ethnological insights, while La Bastille tells the story of a single building and the family-related intention behind its design. If you are considering a holiday apartment in English River, these interests can help you assess the area as a cultural focus for your trip.
More aspects of the Seychelles
The Seychelles offer further themes related to nature and history. On La Digue, the Veuve Special Reserve covers 21 hectares and forms part of a 200-hectare plateau on the western side of the island. Reserve staff answer questions and help visitors find the birds. On Curieuse, a mangrove swamp borders Baie Laraie; a raised boardwalk runs through the swamp and provides access to the mangrove habitat even at high tide. Curieuse was used as a quarantine site for people with leprosy for almost a hundred years.
Praslin brings together further landscape and nature-related themes. Covering 19.5 hectares, the Vallée de Mai is one of the world’s smallest natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the only place in the Seychelles where all six species occur together. Praslin National Park has several short paths; Glacis Noire is the only official trail. The park is home to endemic, native and indigenous plants, as well as various insects and other animals, including the Black Parrot, which occurs only on Praslin and the surrounding islets.
Marine areas and other cultural heritage also add to the picture of the Seychelles. Ste. Anne Marine Park comprises six islands. Moyenne Island in the park is home to the remains of early settlers’ houses, pirate graves and a small thatched chapel. Aldabra was inscribed as a UNESCO Marine World Heritage Site in 1982. Thus, in the wider destination of the Seychelles, cultural history, island nature and marine heritage are distinct themes that sit side by side.
Discover more destinations: Baie Lazare, Bel Ombre, Beau Vallon, Pointe La Rue, Takamaka, Outer Islands, Anse Royale, Les Mamelles
For the main travel overview: Seychelles.
