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Domaine de Val des Près
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Historical site
Domaine de Val des Près in Au Cap on Mahé island is a welcoming craft village dedicated to preserving traditional Creole architecture and ways of life. The heart of the village is the 'Grann Kaz', a grand plantation house dating back to 1870, furnished with authentic period pieces and household items. Visitors can wander through various workshops where local artisans demonstrate their skills in pottery, weaving, and painting. The village was established with the goal of protecting the cultural heritage of the Seychelles and providing visitors with the opportunity to purchase authentic, handmade souvenirs. In addition to the main house, there are smaller huts that depict how the rural population lived in the past. Regular cultural events and traditional dance performances are held on the grounds to celebrate the archipelago's living history. It is a handy location to experience the symbiosis of colonial history and contemporary Seychellois creativity.
- Location: Seychelles
- Top sights: Montagne Brulée · Domaine de Val des Pres (Craft Village) · Turtle Bay
- Nearby: Baie Lazare (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 207 | 109 | 106 | 115 | 94 | 80 | 55 | 62 | 108 | 117 | 124 | 164 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Domaine de Val des Près is a reconstructed Creole village in Au Cap with a magnificent 1870 plantation house. The estate is open to visitors and gives insights into traditional crafts.
Typical hours
The estate is typically open daily from about 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though exact hours may vary. It is advisable to check current opening times by phone or online before visiting.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds, especially the plantation house and craft demonstrations are great subjects. Please ask the artisans before photographing them at work.
Time needed
A visit to the estate typically takes one to two hours, depending on time spent viewing the house and watching craft demonstrations. The grounds can be explored at a leisurely pace.
Combine with
Combine the trip with a visit to the nearby Anse Royale beach or the Victoria market. The Takamaka distillery in the south of the island is also worth a detour.
Getting there
Domaine de Val des Près is located in Au Cap on the east coast of Mahé Island, reachable by car or taxi from Victoria in about 20 minutes. Public buses run along the coastal road.
Insider tip
Visit the estate in the morning when the artisans are still active and the heat is less intense. Be sure to taste the homemade coconut chutney or fresh juices offered on site.
Geography
Facts
- The 'Grann Kaz' plantation house was originally built in 1870.
- The village is located in the Au Cap district on the east coast of Mahé.
- There are 12 specialized artisan workshops and huts on the premises.
- A traditional 'Kizane' (servants' quarters) is available for public viewing.
- The site features the 'Maison de Coco', a house built entirely from coconut wood.
- The village is a major venue for traditional Moutya dance performances.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Domaine de Val des Près (6)
La Grande Maison🏛 museum
A museum in a historic colonial house on Mahe.
Anse Aux Courbes Beach
A beach on the east coast of Mahe.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Domaine de Val des Près?
A craft village showcasing traditional Creole architecture and arts.
Can I buy souvenirs there?
Yes, local artists sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and textiles.
Is it family-friendly?
Very much so, children can observe the craftsmen at work.
What are the opening hours?
Usually from 9 am to 5 pm, often limited on weekends.
Is there an entrance fee?
Access to the craft village is usually free; fees may apply only for museums.
Domaine de Val des Près: where is it located?
Domaine de Val des Près is located in Seychelles.
Domaine de Val des Près: what is there to see?
Highlights include Montagne Brulée, Domaine de Val des Pres (Craft Village), Turtle Bay.
Domaine de Val des Près: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Domaine de Val des Près: why is it worth visiting?
Domaine de Val des Près in Au Cap on Mahé island is a welcoming craft village dedicated to preserving traditional Creole architecture and ways of life.
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A scenic coastal stretch in the southeast of Mahé with shallow waters and coral reefs.
Turtle Bay
A scenic coastal stretch in Au Cap, named after the sea turtles that used to be found here more frequently.
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Bel Air
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History & landmarks
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Mont Poseidon
A prominent mountain peak in the south of Mahé, dominating the landscape of Anse Royale.
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A large granite quarry providing construction materials for infrastructure projects and house building in Seychelles.
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A small, rocky island east of Mahé that serves as an important nesting and resting site for various seabird species.