The North-East of Praslin
Sights And Activities On The North-East Coast Of Praslin
Côte d'Or & Anse Volbert
The north-east coast, which also goes by the name Côte d’Or, has some extremely attractive beaches on offer, protected by coral and the the south-east peninsula at Morne. The area is ideal before the local monsoon season, whose winds blow from May to October, bringing with them a lot of seaweed.
Not least thanks to the pleasant swimming conditions, this region has increasingly become Praslin's tourist centre, offering simple guesthouses, apartments for self-catering, classic and modern luxury hotels and resorts, a wide range of holiday villas, and an inviting selection of restaurants and cafés, as well as boutiques, shops, galleries, diving centres, car hire, and bicycle hire. Along with Beau Vallon Bay on Mahé, the "Golden Coast" of Praslin, can be designated as a more developed region of the Seychelles with versatile infrastructure. Nevertheless, the land does not seem over-developed or overly-frequented by tourists.
Running almost parallel to this centre, the town of Anse Volbert, lies a long stretch of coastline. With no dangerous coral reefs or cliffs, motorised water sports are quite popular here! Anse Volbert instead offers gently sloping sandy shores and perfect conditions for relaxing, bathing, and swimming. Others may decide to walk all 4 km of the coast here, taking in the sights. You can also find the starting point for many bus tours to points of interest or other beaches on the island. In the small exhibition at the Musée de Praslin, you can find information about the nature, culture, and history of Praslin. The museum can be found near the Côte d'Or Footprints in a historic building (open daily: 9.00 - 16.00, fee approx. €5/SCR 180, tel. 524 618).
Just a few steps away, another highlight awaits visitors – a place where art, fine dining and exceptional atmosphere come together: Café des Arts. Surrounded by expressive paintings, sculptures and stylish design, guests can enjoy drinks, cuisine and culture in a truly unique beachfront setting. A real gem on the island – not to be missed for a sunset drink or a special dinner!
The Côte d’Or blends almost seamlessly into the northwestern bay of Anse Volbert. There’s no clear boundary – instead, the soft sandy beach gradually gives way to the wide and quieter shoreline of Anse Volbert. Here, the atmosphere becomes calmer and more serene – ideal for a peaceful walk along the water or a quiet swim away from the more lively sections of the coast.
Just off the Côte d’Or lies the tiny island of Chauve Souris – essentially a large, vegetation-covered granite rock in the sea. Despite its size and simplicity, the island exudes a truly special charm. Located on the island is the lovingly run Chauve Souris Relais, offering just five rooms and a very personal atmosphere. Staying here feels a bit like a Robinson Crusoe adventure – but with solid walls and good food. Access is by boat directly from the Côte d’Or. It's the perfect spot for travellers seeking something a little different and who appreciate the island’s raw, natural character.
Anse Gouvernement
Anse Gouvernement, located in the east of the island, contains the beautiful L’Archipel Hotel, surrounded by a lush green garden. In 1984, the Polanski adventure film "Pirates" was filmed on Anse Gouvernement. Moreover, at the eastern edge of the bay, visitors can find a trail that leads to Anse Matelot, which is located about fifteen minutes away.
Anse La Blague
Between Anse Volbert and Baie Ste Anne lies the seldom-visited and sparsely-populated Anse La Blague. Despite its relative solitude, it is still well-worth a visit. You can reach this relaxing location by travelling about 1 km down a narrow street behind Anse Volbert, which leads to the north-east coast.
At the southern tip of the island lies Anse La Farine– a beach that truly lives up to its French name (“flour beach”), as the sand here feels almost as soft as fine flour. The bay is only accessible by boat. Upstream lies the tiny world-of-its-own Round Island, not to be confused with its identically-named sister in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park).
Orique: Authentic Creole culture in the hills of Praslin
Those wishing to experience the true, original island way of life in the Seychelles away from the well-known dream beaches should definitely plan a trip to Orique. This cultural gem, whose name is a fitting blend of the English words "Original" and "Unique", lies hidden in the lush green hills of Praslin in the "Zimbabwe" area. Even the journey there is an experience in itself: a steep, narrow road leads up to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints on the entire island.
Orique is not a traditional museum where heritage is merely viewed behind glass. Instead, it is a vibrant place brought to life by local resident Terry Philoe to make the traditional lifestyle, craftsmanship, and culinary heritage of the Seychellois tangibly accessible. Here, time seems to pass at a noticeably slower pace. Visitors can leisurely enjoy the spectacular view of the ocean and neighboring islands, surrounded by traditional architecture, cozy benches made of dried bamboo, and typical cast-iron cooking pots.
An absolute highlight and a true insider tip is the exclusive Sunset Dinner Experience. As the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant shades of gold and red, genuine Creole hospitality is celebrated here. By advanced booking, traditional dishes such as grilled red snapper, octopus curry in fresh coconut milk, and the typical local banana dessert "ladob" are served in a private, peaceful atmosphere. A trip to Orique is ideal for anyone wishing to dive deep into the soul of the Seychelles and experience unforgettable, authentic moments.
Next chapter: The South-West of Praslin
