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Not quiet a plant that originated in the Indian Ocean region, but rather in Mexico, however the region is today one of the largest producers of vanilla. Vanilla is a flavouring derived from orchids in the genus Vanilla native to Mexico.As part of the agricultural estate one can still see the old plantation and learn about the plants.
Part of the agricultural estate on the island is a large group of Giant Turtoises that are home to the Seychelles. These turtoises are one of the largest tortoises in the world. Similar in size to the famous Galapagos Giant Tortoise, its carapace averages 120 cm in length. The average weight of a male is around 250 kg.
The sights of the boulders in contrast with silky shallow water and white sand on the shore indeed gives the great feeling of satisfaction - you've travelled SO long to get here and now it pays off :)Just walk around and make poics - and ypur glitzy album like from "Dream holiday"catalog is ready - I guarantee you after you will come back hoem you will not trust yourself that you ind3eed have been at this wonderfull place :)
You must go to Anse Source d'Argent. It is one of the most photographed beachs in the world and for good reason.There is white soft sand and giant granite boulders that have tumbled out of the mountainside onto the sand. The beach has many small coves
Of course - it is the most photographed beach in the world... but they made it very touristy. If you want to get there you must go through the Estate and pay $5.00. You will see tortoises, horses, beautiful scenery and at the end is this beach. We were there around 12 AM and already it was quite bussy. You have to pay if you want to use the outside toilet (the keys are in the buffet/restaurant). We could not find an empty part of the beach. It is very unique place because it is not just a plain stretch of beach but it goes behind huge rocks. We walked to the end (you cannot see it from the beginning because it is quite curvy). After that we decided to leave this beach and we walked back. After maybe 10 minute walk we found beautiful long beach and there was nobody. So we stayed there.Anse d'Argent is beautiful place to see, I would recommend it to anybody. I just wanted to let you know...
Last but not least: when you´ve passed the biking test and crossed the hill of La Digue you will find yourself at the biggest beach of La Digue: Grand Anse (what´s in a name)This bay seems more suitable for swimming than Source d´Argent, but watch out because the undercurrent is very dangerous here!!!!A paradisaical dangerous beauty, she is....(By the way, from here it is possible to reach several other small bays by foot which are said to be wonderfull)Unfortunately I did not make a picture here, so this one is of a very similar beach, just to give you the general idea...
The next thing you will run into (if you do not hit the brakes) is a copra factory. Large name for a seemingly small business, but you´ll be surprised how much they produce. The copra (made out of coconuts) is created by a small group of people: the first collects the nuts, the second splits them, the third seperates the weat from the chaff and then the remainders are put in a large walk-in oven where the cocos will be dried for a long time! The result: copra....The process is not only interesting, but you will get a free little tour by the person who happens to be working there at the moment you arrive. She (in our case an old woman) will tell you everything you want to know (out of experiences) and will also let you have a taste, mjam mjam.(the pic is a friend opening a coconut)
Alright that was enough activity, it´s time for some relaxation. Still in the park you can find the little path that leads you to the beach Anse Source d´Argent (south west of the island). If you didn´t bring anything to drink with you: the stand at the bicycle parking is the last option to buy something...You can choose from many little stretches of beach untill you have found the perfect one by walking down the path along the bays. It will take you along some idyllic spots in between the granite bolders and palm trees until you settle and go for a dip!
If you go inland instead of to the sea, you will encounter a site with giant tortoises. They are kept in captivity though. I do not know why they are there, but they seemed to have enough to provide in their needs. It was a lovely sight seeing them move under those incredibly heavy shields. They even make very low groaning noises that I had never heard before! What powerful creatures they are!
Because the island is not so very big, it is easy to see a great deal of it when biking around. Start at the park L´Union Estate (a small entrance fee of $2,- has to be paid).Only a few minutes away you will find a very old and, by now, green historical cemetery. It dates from the time when the first permanent settlers came to La Digue.The cemetery has something enchanting about it, because of the moss-covered, oblique tombstones.
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