Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the entire population descends for the weekly market. Two of the not-to-be-missed sights
on the island are the giant tortoises at
François Leguat Reserve
and the caves at
Caverne
Patate
. Another day could be taken up by the classic coastal hike from
Graviers to St
François
, passing en route a gem of a beach at
Trou d'Argent
. From St François either
walk back the way you came or take a bus to Port Mathurin. Another day should be dedic-
ated to the boat excursion to
Île aux Cocos
with its quiet beaches and lively seabird
colonies, with a couple of hours set aside for a hike in search of endangered species in the
Grande Montagne Nature Reserve
.
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to diving. Top spots include the channel off St
François,
La Passe St François
, on the edge of the lagoon, with more options beyond the
reefs. There's good snorkelling around the little-visited
Île aux Chats
and
Île Hermitage
off the south coast.
And of course, you'll want to dedicate as much time as you can to simply kicking back
on the beach for hours at a stretch and indulging in seafood feasts at one of the great
family-run restaurants scattered around the island.
