Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden
Anse Royale, Mahé
High in the hills above Anse Royal, visitors enjoy the sights and smells of the Seychelles in the fragrant gardens of Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden. Wander the aromatic grounds filled with herbs, spices, and medicinal plants and marvel over endemic giant tortoises, before visiting the small planter’s house museum to learn more.
The Basics
Privately owned Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden is an 86-acre (35-hectare) haven of rare and fragrant fauna, which you can explore at your own pace. Embark on self-guided nature walks, searching for and identifying specific plants independently, using the map and plant list provided. Then, have lunch at the onsite restaurant and enjoy privileged views over the island. With so much to see and do, save time and buy your admission tickets in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden especially charms botanists and nature lovers.
Expect to spend up to three hours exploring Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden.
Have lunch at the on-site cafe-restaurant, and take home jams, marmalades, and spices from the souvenir store.
The steep climb and sometimes muddy grounds make Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden mostly inaccessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
La Jardin du Roi Spice Garden sits above Anse Royale at the end of a steep and narrow road. Most visitors find it easiest to arrive by car, and there is on-site parking. However, adventurous travelers can tackle the roughly 1.3-mile (2-kilometer) uphill walk themselves.
When to Get There
Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden is open daily. An a la carte lunch is served daily except for Sunday when the special prix-fixe Plantation Lunches are held from 12pm–3pm. If you plan to walk to Le Jardin du Roi, leave in the morning before the sun reaches its peak. Similarly, this lets you to beat the crowds and midday heat in the gardens.
What to Do on Mahé
Le Jardin du Roi Spice Garden may be one of Mahé’s most popular attractions, but there’s more to experience on the island. Beach lovers in particular have ample options for sunbathing and swimming—those pressed for time head to the nearby Anse Royale beach. Meanwhile, tea aficionados won’t want to miss the opportunity to tour the Tea Factory.
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