English River: Cultural Heritage and History
Accommodation in English River
English River can be understood through two concrete landmarks: Victoria lies mostly within this area, and La Bastille Building is listed as national cultural heritage for English River. This brings geographical orientation together with a prominent site of architectural history.
Cultural Heritage and History in English River
The 2018 tourism plan lists La Bastille Building as national cultural heritage for English River and includes the building among the Seychelles’ cultural attractions marketed under the “Patrimwann” brand. La Bastille was built in the early 1930s by Ange Pilleron; the building was intended to reflect the great prosperity of the Pilleron family. Anyone interested in architectural history can consider the construction period, the client and the building’s intended message together here.
In Victoria, the National Museum of History offers a different perspective: it 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. While La Bastille focuses on a single building, the museum turns its attention to collection pieces and former ways of life. If you are planning a visit, check the current opening arrangements beforehand.
More Perspectives on the Seychelles
Across the wider destination of the Seychelles, other nature and history themes can be found on different islands. Ste. Anne Marine Park comprises six islands. 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, the island was used for almost a hundred years as a quarantine site for people with leprosy. A mangrove swamp borders Baie Laraie there. A raised boardwalk runs through the swamp, providing access to the mangrove habitat even at high tide.
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 Praslin lies the 19.5-hectare Vallée de Mai, one of the smallest natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. It is the only area 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 also home to endemic, native and indigenous plants, as well as various insects and other animals, including the Black Parrot, which is found only on Praslin and the surrounding islets.
Discover more destinations: Glacis, Les Mamelles, Grand Anse Praslin, Bel Ombre, Grand Anse Mahe, Anse Royale, La Digue And Inner Islands, Outer Islands
See the wider travel overview: Seychelles.
