| The capital of the Seychelles, Victoria on | | | | |
| Mahe Island has prominence. However, it still | | | | Victoria frequently stages theatrical |
| retains a small town, very intimate feel. | | | | productions in the national theatre and also |
| Walking down the street, it seems everybody | | | | has a choice of eateries offering Creole, |
| knows everybody and smiles as they go. | | | | Chinese and Japanese Cuisine in addition to |
| | | | international varieties. |
| Though it was originally settled in 1778 by | | | | |
| the French and still retains much French | | | | Victoria is also the place to shop with a |
| colonial flavour, it was eventually named | | | | good range of locally produced wares on |
| after Queen Victoria when the Brits occupied | | | | offer. Beyond Victoria, a favourite haunt is |
| the town. | | | | to the tea factory close to Port Glaud, or a |
| | | | glass bottom boat ride around Ste Anne, Baie |
| Visitors will be charmed by the old part of | | | | Ternay or Port Launay Marine National Parks. |
| town with charming, narrow streets and rather | | | | |
| worn down but authentic colonial buildings. | | | | Saint Anne National Marine Park was |
| The newer part of the city has the new deluxe | | | | designated in 1973 and was the first such |
| hotels, garden parks, cafes and wider | | | | park in the Indian Ocean. |
| streets. In the very centre of the city is | | | | |
| the characteristic and monumental clock | | | | It encompasses six islands off the coast of |
| tower. It is a cute replica of the Little Ben | | | | Mahe near Victoria. The island is dominated |
| that stands outside Victoria station in | | | | by a large mountain peak which rises to eight |
| London, but looks decidedly out of place in | | | | hundred feet, surrounded by thick tropical |
| this quaint town. Thus, it stands | | | | vegetation. St Anne is now one of the most |
| statuesquely by the court house. | | | | important nesting sites for Hawksbill |
| | | | turtles. |
| Other interesting sites are the Anglican and | | | | |
| Roman Catholic cathedrals and the Capuchin | | | | Three languages are spoken on the island |
| House, which is quite unique in architecture | | | | English, French, and Creole, which derives |
| and served once as a seminary for priests. | | | | from French and is widely spoken in former |
| | | | French colonies. |
| Tourists who thirst for a history and culture | | | | |
| will not hesitate to visit the National | | | | Weather is warm and humid, averaging 29 |
| History Museum, which has interesting | | | | throughout the year with more rain around |
| displays of the birds, which draw multiple | | | | November to end of January. From May to |
| bird watchers to the island, marine life and | | | | September when it is drier, breezier, and |
| culture of the Seychelles islands. Also, | | | | slightly cooler than during the remainder of |
| there is a lively morning market, which draws | | | | the year. There is quite a lot of rain at all |
| visitors to view the rows of tropical fruits, | | | | times of the year, but this mostly occurs in |
| seafood in chilled ice and various other | | | | brief showers followed again by tropical |
| crafts and baked goods. | | | | sunshine. |