Au Cap: Coast, History and Craftsmanship

Au Cap combines a coastal character with colonial architecture, culinary tradition and craftsmanship. Domaine de Val des Près is the historical focal point; Turtle Bay and Au Cap Beach give the coastline a place of its own. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which of these themes you would like to shape your trip more strongly.

The Coast and the Character of the Area

Turtle Bay and Au Cap Beach are described as the two best beaches in Au Cap. Au Cap Beach lies opposite La Plaine St. André. The beaches on the eastern side of Au Cap are considered flat, shallow and warm. This makes the coastline a clear focus when planning your trip. You can weigh it against your interest in architectural history and craftsmanship when deciding what matters most to you in choosing a holiday destination.

Colonial Heritage and Culinary Tradition

Domaine de Val des Près is centred around the Maison de Planteur, the plantation owner's house. It also includes a traditional kitchen, servants' quarters and other facilities from the colonial period of the 18th and 19th centuries. The estate illustrates traditional Seychellois life in the early history of the Seychelles. The plantation house was built around 1870. A covered walkway behind the house leads to the traditional kitchen, where there is a wood-fired oven and objects that recall culinary traditions of the past. The house, kitchen and servants' quarters thus offer different perspectives on the historic estate.

The twelve craft kiosks are also part of this architectural picture: they were designed and built with features that blend into the appearance of the main plantation house. The estate also includes the traditional Pomme Cannelle restaurant. Together, these details show that the history of Domaine is not limited to the plantation house, but also encompasses the other parts of the estate.

La Plaine St. André, formerly known as the Eco-Musée, dates back to 1792. For trip planning focused on historic sites and architecture, this long history complements the view of the plantation house built around 1870.

More Experiences in Au Cap

The Takamaka Rum Distillery in La Plaine St. André has several distinctive features. Giant Aldabra tortoises named Taka and Maka live on the grounds, which also contain ruins. The distillery also has a rum souvenir shop, a food truck and cocktails at the Rum Shack. These attractions differ from the coastline and the architectural heritage of Domaine de Val des Près. If you are planning a trip with family or a group, it can help to compare everyone's interests in the coast, history and craftsmanship before looking for a holiday apartment.

More Island Highlights in the Seychelles

Other islands in the Seychelles also offer distinctive natural and cultural sites. Moyenne Island in Ste. Anne Marine National Park is home to the remains of early settlers' houses, pirate graves and a small thatched chapel. On Curieuse, a walkway built on stilts passes through the mangrove swamp and provides access to the mangrove habitat even at high tide; the swamp borders Baie Laraie. Curieuse was used for almost a hundred years as a quarantine site for people with leprosy. On La Digue, the Veuve Special Reserve covers 21 hectares and is part of a 200-hectare plateau on the western side of the island. These examples broaden the picture of the Seychelles as a destination with diverse landscapes and historical themes.

Discover More Destinations

Pointe Au Sel, Takamaka, Anse Royale, Glacis, Cascade, Roche Caïman, Outer Islands, Saint Louis

For the main travel overview: Seychelles.