Le Jardin Du Roi, Spice Garden, Mahe Island | Seychelles Attractions

Le Jardin Du Roi, Seychelles Overview

Le Jardin Du Roi is a famous spice garden in the island of Mahe, Seychelles. Located on the hills overlooking the Anse Royale Beach, it is around two kilometres from the popular seaside destination. The 35-hectare plantation with local forestation is modelled after French Spice Garden designs of the 18th century for growing rare spice-producing plants in the tropical colonies.

The French phrase “Le Jardin Du Roi” translates to “the King’s Garden” and is apt for this beautiful iteration of perfect harmony between human and nature. Initially created to promote spice trade, the garden has now become a famous tourist attraction on the island while continuing to produce exotic local spices.

Things to do at Le Jardin du Roi

The lush green, fragrant and beautifully-maintained Le Jardin Du Roi is a nature-lover’s delight in itself and is a favourite of many botanists and environmentalists visiting Seychelles. The eclectic collection of rare spice plants and other endemic species in this enchanting spice garden inundates the traveller not only with visual delights but also with olfactory satisfaction. Apart from basking in this delightful greenery, other activities can interest the tourists here.

Guided Walks in Le Jardin Du Roi

Take a guided walk through the well-maintained tracks crisscrossing the Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden. You need to book one 24 hours in advance though – but the accompanying local guide is knowledgeable enough to keep you engrossed in the rich history of the place. The sheer variety of the surrounding spice plants and other local tree species is sure to fascinate any tourist, and you may be lucky enough even to spot a giant tortoise ambling along!

Self-guided walks are also quite popular here – you can enjoy the breathtaking sights and smells of the garden at your own time and pace. Also, there is a souvenir shop you can visit for collecting spice samples and other memorabilia of the island.

Museum Visit in Le Jardin Du Roi

There is a small museum located at the planter’s house at the heart of Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden. It offers a reasonably detailed glimpse about the local history, agricultural practices and some artefacts. Be sure to visit the collection to learn and appreciate the local culture and traditions.

History of Le Jardin Du Roi

The origin of Le Jardin Du Roi is credited to the French administrator, Pierre Poivre, who first introduced the idea of cultivating spices in these erstwhile colonies of France. His idea later evolved into the Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden during the 1770s.

During the latter part of the decade, the threat of British invasion forced the governor of the island to burn the plantations. The cultivation was then shifted to its present location, which was considered superior due to the ease of sea access hence promoting spice trade. Presently, exotic spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla vines, citronella and pepper are cultivated here along with it being a haven for the island’s many unique flora and fauna.

Enjoy a Meal at a Nearby Restaurant or Cafe

The restaurant and café at Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden are famous on the island of Mahe for its fresh and fragrant offerings for its guests. The preparation is cooked from scratch; you can order your meal, take a leisurely walk around the area and return to a delightful gastronomical delight while enjoying the breathtaking views all around the area.

The restaurant menu offers a variety of choices to its guests and the spices used are often freshly collected from the trees growing there. So, most of their food is flavoured with locally-produced spices and is sure to leave the patrons fully satisfied with their aromatic presence. So, a visit to Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden is a must for tourists holidaying in this beautiful archipelago due to its enchanting natural beauty.