Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
B1
31
Tarosa
A2
Shopping
A3
Sights
La Passe
OFFLINE MAP
A visit to tiny La Passe almost feels like stepping back in time, so perfectly does it capture
the image of a sleepy tropical port. Virtually no cars clog the streets. Men and women talk
shop on the jetty while waiting for the ferry to arrive. Children ride bicycles on the tree-
lined roads. Come Saturday night, most islanders head to Tarosa for some serious dancing
and drinking.
Check out the few souvenir shops near the jetty, sign up for a boat excursion or hire a
bicycle and just peddle around a bit.
VILLAGE
L'Union Estate & Copra Factory
OFFLINE MAP
HISTORIC SITE
(admission Rs 100 or €10)
At one time, the main industry on La Digue was coconut farming,
centred on L'Union Estate coconut plantation south of La Passe. These days L'Union
Estate is run as an informal 'theme park', with demonstrations of extracting oil from copra
(dried coconut flesh). Also in the grounds are the Old Plantation House, a colonial-era
graveyard, a boatyard and the obligatory pen of giant tortoises.
Veuve Reserve
OFFLINE MAP
WILDLIFE RESERVE
( 2783114; La Passe; information centre 8am-noon & 1-4pm Mon-Fri)
La Digue is the last
refuge of the black paradise flycatcher, which locals call the
veuve
(widow). This small
forest reserve has been set aside to protect its natural habitat. At the time of writing there
were 20 pairs within the reserve. The male has long black tail feathers. The ranger, Josi-
