Anse Boileau: Coastal Plains and Burlee

Anse Boileau lies on the west coast of Mahé, between Baie Lazare to the south and Grand Anse to the north. When planning a hotel stay on Mahé, this location provides a geographical starting point; the landscape and history add specific themes to consider for your trip.

Coastal Plains and Mountain Forest

The coastal plains of Anse Boileau extend north towards the lowlands of Barbarons and Bon Espoir Estate. Endemic palm species grow in the mountainous forest region of Burlee to the west. The plains and their northern orientation thus contrast with a mountainous forest area with distinctive vegetation. If you are comparing landscapes, these are two different natural features: the coastal plains, connected to the lowlands, and the mountain forest of Burlee with its endemic palms.

History of the Area

One specific historical connection is Father Callixte Cachon (1841–1907). He arrived in Anse Boileau in 1884 and considered his parish an ideal place to dedicate a sanctuary to Our Lady of La Salette. The biographical connection between his arrival, the location and the religious undertaking adds another perspective on Anse Boileau alongside its landscape. The new Anse Boileau market was officially opened on a Monday, 14 October.

More Nature and Cultural Heritage Sites in the Seychelles

Beyond Mahé, the wider destination of the Seychelles offers more nature and cultural heritage themes. The following examples are on Praslin, Curieuse and Moyenne, and give you an idea of different interests to consider when planning your trip.

On Praslin, Vallée de Mai covers 19.5 hectares and is one of the smallest natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. It is also the only area in the Seychelles where all six species occur together. Two specific features make it possible to compare the natural environments: the area’s size and the species’ shared presence. This offers a different focus from the coastal plains of Anse Boileau and the palms in Burlee.

On Curieuse, a mangrove swamp borders Baie Laraie. A walkway on stilts runs through the swamp and allows access to the mangrove habitat, even at high tide. Both the route through the swamp and access at high tide are relevant when finding your way around. Curieuse was also used as a quarantine site for people with leprosy for almost a century. The island’s natural environment and history offer two distinct themes.

On Moyenne Island in Ste. Anne Marine National Park, there are remains of early settlers’ houses, pirates’ graves and a small thatched chapel. These features offer a glimpse of cultural heritage, from traces of settlement and graves to a small religious building.

Access also varies across the Seychelles: the Seychelles’ marine parks can be reached by boat, while Port-Launay can also be reached on foot. If you are sorting trip ideas by how you can get there, boat access and access on foot are two different points to consider.

Discover more destinations: Anse Boileau, Pointe La Rue, Port Glaud, Anse Royale, Grand Anse Praslin, Takamaka, English River, Outer Islands

Go to the main travel overview: Seychelles.