Praslin, with a population of 6,500 people, is Seychelles’ second largest
island. It lies 45km to the north-east of Mahé and measures 10km by 3.7km.
Praslin is the site of the fabulous Vallée de Mai (one of Seychelles’s
two U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Sites). The island features truly exquisite
beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette ... both appearing on the top-10
list of world’s best beaches in recent years. A leisurely tour around
the island by car will take approximately 2 hours.
Praslin stands at the forefront of Seychelles’ tourism industry with
a strong tradition of hospitality and wide range of accommodation facilities.
It also provides a base for excursions to neighbouring islands, some of which
are important sanctuaries nurturing rare species of endemic flora and fauna.
History and Culture
Prior to settlement of the islands by the French in the mid-18th century, Praslin's
Côte d'Or, was a favourite haunt of pirates.
Praslin was named Isle des Palmes by French navigator Lazare Picault during
the course of his exploration of the granitic islands in 1744. It was renamed
Praslin after the Duc de Praslin, the French minister of marine in 1768 when
the original 'Stone of Possession' was erected in what is still known as Anse
Possession. It was on that occasion too that the Vallée de Mai was discovered,
bringing an end to the myth that the fruit originated from beneath the sea.
Almost a century and a half later visiting General Gordon (of Khartoum) became
convinced that Praslin's Vallée de Mai was the original site of the Garden
of Eden.
More recently in its history, Winston Churchill was advised to choose Praslin
as a place of exile for troublesome Irish political prisoners. The plan never
materialised.
Since its first settlement, Praslin has evolved into an island with its own
distinct flavour and enviable pace of life that even its recent popularity as
a choice holiday destination has done little to change.
People
The inhabitants of Praslin are those who find life on Mahé 'too hectic',
preferring instead the village feel of Seychelles' second largest island. Praslin
has the same ethnic configuration as Mahé but as a community, has tended
to regard itself as something of a separate entity with a very particular lifestyle.
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