La Digue

Island in the Seychelles

Introduction

History

• ⛵ Discovery: First sighted by French navigator Lazare Picault in 1742.
• 🇫🇷 Naming: Named after a ship in Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne's fleet in 1768.
• 👨‍🌾 Settlement: First settled in 1789 by French colonists and enslaved Africans.
• 🏛️ Colonial Era: French colonists produced coral lime, copra, and vanilla.
• ⛪ Religion: First Catholic chapel built in 1854; most inhabitants are Catholic.
• 📜 Heritage: Many current inhabitants carry the names of early settlers.

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Tourism

• 🏖️ Main Industry: Tourism is the primary industry on La Digue.
• 🌅 Attractions: Known for its stunning beaches like Anse Source d'Argent and Grand Anse.
• 🏨 Accommodations: Over twenty guesthouses and hotels available.
• 🚤 Activities: Popular for diving trips, boat tours, and snorkeling.
• 🌿 Nature Reserve: Veuve Nature Reserve is home to the rare black paradise flycatcher.
• 🏞️ Hiking: Offers guided hiking trips through the Veuve Reserve.

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Beaches

• 🏝️ Anse Source d'Argent: Famous for its photogenic sand and granite boulders.
• 🌊 Grand Anse: Known for its large waves and beautiful scenery.
• 🏖️ Petite Anse: Smaller but equally stunning beach.
• 🌅 Anse Marron: Remote and rugged, perfect for adventurous visitors.
• 🐠 Snorkeling: Excellent spots along the western beaches with calm waters.
• 🌴 L'Union Estate: Features a traditional copra mill and plantation house.

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Wildlife

• 🦜 Black Paradise Flycatcher: Critically endangered species found in Veuve Reserve.
• 🐢 Giant Tortoises: Significant population from Aldabra.
• 🦀 Coconut Crabs: Known for digging holes in backyards.
• 🐟 Marine Life: Includes butterflyfish, eagle rays, and moray eels.
• 🦈 Sharks: Blacktip reef sharks and whale sharks can be seen.
• 🐦 Birds: Home to fodies, sunbirds, terns, and fruitbats.

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Transport

• 🚲 Bicycles: Primary means of transportation on the island.
• 🐂 Ox-Carts: Traditional but now mainly used by tourists.
• 🚗 Vehicles: Few privately owned cars; most belong to hotels.
• 🚤 Ferries: Main access to the island via ferry from Praslin and Mahé.
• 🛤️ Paths: Curved paths make for enjoyable bike rides and walks.
• 🛳️ Port: Important for tourist ferries and diving trips.

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Cuisine

• 🐟 Fish: Central to the local cuisine with various recipes.
• 🦑 Octopus: Popular dish, often fried or in salads.
• 🦞 Lobster: Typically prepared with garlic.
• 🦇 Bat Curry: A local specialty.
• 🌿 Ingredients: Commonly use ginger in dishes.
• 🍹 Palm Wine: Popular homemade alcoholic drink.

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