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One of the most visited sites on La Digue is the L'Union Estate situated on the southern end of the island. An old plantation house is the centrepiece of the estate, which is flanked by a giant granite boulder, a large pen where Seychelles' giant tortoises roam and a spacious paddock for the estate's horses.
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| As you walk or cycle further down to the L'Union Estate, you'll see this natural wonder from watching very closely, it looks like an elephant trunk, really amazing. The granite boulder of Anse L'Union is a spectacular piece of natural sculpture brought forth from the womb of mother nature, its magnificent shape due to its long exposure to the sculpting forces of nature. |
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Once a leading industry in Seychelles, the production of Copra (the dried flesh of a coconut and the oil derived from it) has declined significantly and today the only remaining Copra Mill on La Digue is at the L'Union Estate where you can see every stage of the copra processing, from the laborious de-husking to the final purifying and bottling of the oil.
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The Plantation of the L'Union Estate covers almost a third of La Digue and is home to a wide variety of plants cultivated for food and medicine. At certain times of the day visitors to the plantation are able to observe the time honoured techniques used to maintain and harvest the crops.
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Another historical sight at the L'Union Estate, the old Cemetery was established by the very first permanent settlers on La Digue.
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A must see! While the beaches of La Digue may take centre stage, no visit to the island is complete without a trip to the very heart of La Digue and its beautiful views across the island and the crystal clear waters that surround it. A smooth climb through Belle Vue not only brings you to the mountain residents of the island but is also the passage to the most spectacular view of the island. For the more courageous visitors the hike on to the tip of the 'iceberg' Nid Aigle, is a trail well worth the climb!
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The Paradise Flycatcher (Vev in Creole) is found only on La Digue and is the only one of Seychelles' endemic bird species still listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. While it can be seen in many places on the La Digue plateau, the best opportunity to glimpse this rare bird is afforded by the Veuve Reserve.
The male bird is black with an iridescent blue sheen, a blue bill and sports long black tail streamers, while the female is smaller with a brown back and wings. They can be seen flying around the badamier (Indian almond) trees and in the marshes where they feed on insects.
Vigorous conservation efforts are underway to protect the Vev, the total population of which numbers only a couple of hundred birds. The Reserve is the perfect place to watch the birds and is equally inviting for non-birdwatchers for its peace, tranquillity and verdant scenery.
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Another attraction as you go along L'Union Estate, are the horses where you can also enjoy horse riding.
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In October 1853, Father Theophilus was sent to La Digue, where he had planted a cross on a large hangar built on the edge of the sea and which was used as a chapel. In 1889, Mgr Mouard installed the Sister of Cluny which had remained there until 1944. In November 1897, Mgr Hudrisier blesses the new stone church. The masons were under the direction of Mr. Bamboo, carpenters of Mr. George. Installed in 1929, the bells of the church doted of an electronic system in 1992.
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Look out for the old houses from colonial era most of them still found on La Digue.
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Found at the foot of the L'Union's giant boulders some of the tortoise are over hundred years old.
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