Excursion Vallée de mai tour at Praslin

Experience the natural wonder of the Vallée de Mai, a World Heritage Site, home to the fabled Coco de Mer.

Take a short drive to the Praslin National Park, set in the central hills and covering an area of more than one square mile. During a guided walk into this magical forest, feel an atmosphere of great tranquillity surround you. Only the carefully laid out paths betray the fact that human hands have been at work here to make the homeland of the coco de mer accessible to the visitor and to provide an idea of the vegetation existing on the island prior to the arrival of Europeans.

Follow your guide on a nature trail and learn about a variety of interesting botanical species. At times, the palm fronds form such a thick roof that the sun is obliterated. Even walking just a short distance into this green palm thicket will enable you to marvel at the endemic coco de mer palms, some of which grow 60 to 90 feet (18-28 metres) high. For many years, the origin of the palms' uniquely shaped fruit, which washed ashore on African and Asian coasts, was shrouded in mystery. One of the legends suggested that giant underwater trees produced them, thereby giving the heavy (up to 40 pounds, 18 kg), double-cheeked nut its name. During the early 1900s, this rare object was such a highly prized collector's item that one illustrious owner even had it embellished in gold. Following your walk, reboard the coach for the drive back to the pier.

Note

Please note: This tour includes some uneven terrain up and down hilly grounds, with approximately 30 steps, exposed roots and low hanging branches, making this tour less not suitable for guests with walking difficulties. Guests are recommended to wear good sturdy walking shoes.